Volvo to launch three 300km range all-electric trucks as part of major electrification plans

Volvo is preparing to launch three new all-electric FH, FM and FMX HGV models in Europe.

The move is part of wider plans to ensure its electric truck portfolio makes up almost half of the manufacturer’s European truck sales by 2030.

The Volvo FH Electric is designed for regional and intercity transport, whilst the Volvo FM Electric is aimed at the heavy local transport and regional distribution market. The Volvo FMX Electric is for operators looking for cleaner and quieter construction transport.

The three new models offer a 300 km range, continuous power at 490 kW, maximum torque of 2400 Nm, battery capacity up to 540 kWh and a combination weight (GCW) of up to 44 tonnes.

Production for Europe will start next year, with the new vehicles joining the Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric, which are designed for urban transport and have been in serial production in the EU since 2019.

Volvo said the new products’ higher load capacities and 300 km range allows its electric portfolio to cover around 45% of all goods transported in Europe today, based on research which shows that 45% of goods transported by road in Europe travel less than 300km.

Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks, said: “More and more transport companies are realising they need to start their electrification journey right now, both with the environment in mind and for competitive reasons to satisfy customer requirements for sustainable shipping.

“With Volvo Trucks’ wide and deep offering, it is totally feasible for far more transport companies to go electric.”

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He added: “There is huge potential to electrify truck transports in Europe, and also in other parts of the world, in the very near future.”

“To prove this, we have set the ambitious goal to have electric trucks account for at least half of our sales in Europe by 2030. And these three new heavy-duty trucks we are now launching mark a giant step towards reaching this target.”

The new models also come with a variety of service, maintenance and financing solutions, and options to help operators make a rapid transition to electrified vehicles.

“These complete electrified transport solutions that we, along with our global network of dealers and service workshops can provide, will play a vital role in ensuring our customers’ success,” Alm added.

The manufacturer is also preparing to launch fuel-cell electric trucks in the second half of this decade.

“This technology is developing rapidly and our ambition is to also make the long driving distances electrified, using both batteries and fuel cells,” Alm said.

“Our aim is to start selling fuel-cell electric trucks in the second part of this decade and we are confident we can make this happen,” he added.

Volvo Trucks’ stable of electric trucks also includes the Volvo FE Electric, for local and city distribution and waste transport and the Volvo FL Electric, for local and city distribution.