Electrifying heavy-duty trucks is a major step on the path to decarbonization and zero emissions. Volvo Trucks has now started series production of its new generation of heavy-duty electric trucks. They include the Volvo FH Aero Electric, which is capable of driving up to 700 km on a single charge, and the next-generation Volvo FH, FM, and FMX Electric models.

The company’s electric truck offering of eight models covers a wide range of transport assignments, such as urban distribution and waste management, regional and long-haul. The flagship of the new range is the Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range.

Thanks to a new e-axle driveline technology, it can accommodate significantly more battery capacity and drive up to 700 km on a single charge (since there’s now more battery capacity onboard). 

The e-truck is adapted to the new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard; charging the eight batteries from 20% to 80% will take approximately 50 minutes. This means charging can be done within the legislated rest period for truck drivers in the EU, thereby contributing to higher productivity. 

Other new models are also combined with megawatt charging capability and high payload capacity. This enables electric transport on routes that have traditionally relied on diesel trucks. 

The new e-truck range includes the next generation of Volvo FH, FM, and FMX Electric models as well. These trucks feature an all-new electric driveline designed to improve energy efficiency, productivity, and driving performance, with driving ranges of up to 470 km. (Volvo pointed out that range depends on external conditions such as the weather and wind resistance, plus other factors such as total weight of the truck and the driver’s performance.)

“We’re really sharpening our offering here. We are broadening it and making electric solutions possible for an even wider range of transport assignments, and also adding a cutting‑edge electric truck with a range of up to 700 km,” said Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks. “This means we can fully match the business needs of our customers. It has never been easier to replace diesel trucks with electric ones.

”This long-haul electric truck offers an outstanding range in combination with high payload, fast charging and great riding comfort. With this truck, our customers can drive the really long distances and throughout an entire working day with the same productivity as diesel trucks.

Alm added, “The response from customers is very positive and we see a high interest in ordering the new trucks. With longer ranges, maximum flexibility across different applications and excellent drivability, it’s easier than ever to go electric ‘’

Application Flexibility

The FH, FM, and FMX Electric trucks’ new driveline is designed for maximum flexibility across different applications. It’s engineered so that the driver can drive the truck and power auxiliary equipment such as a concrete mixer, hook lift, or refuse unit without extra motors or add-ons. 

That’s made possible thanks to an integrated gearbox power take-off (PTO) with increased functionality enabling usage during driving. The trucks will have a range of up to 470 km and can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 65 minutes.

Volvo’s FH Aero Electric with extended range targets long-haul and intercity transport, offering up to 460-kW (623 hp) power output. The company said it’s well-suited for hub-to-hub routes and two-shift operations. Other features include:

• Total capacity: Up to 48 tons GCW (gross combination weight). Flexible battery configuration to optimize balance between range and payload. Payload up to 28 tons.
• Range: Up to 700 km on a single charge.
• Charging: 700-kW MCS (megawatt) 20% to 80 % in approximately 50 minutes. 350-kW CCS (combined charging system) 20% to 80% in approximately 85 minutes.
• Special capability: Electric power take-off for refrigerated units, eliminating the need for a separate diesel generator.

The FH, FM and FMX Electric next-generation trucks are directed at on-road construction, regional distribution, urban logistics, utilities, refuse .and heavy special applications. Their dual-motor drivetrain with purpose-built gearbox has eight gears to maximize electric torque. And they have up to 540-kW (731 hp) power output. The trucks can be specified with twin-drive axles and low gearing for maximum flexibility.

Seamless Gear Shifting

All of the new trucks are equipped with a gearbox optimized for electric transmission to deliver smoother and more controlled performance. The new powershift gearboxes, 8-speed on the new Volvo FH, FM, and FMX Electric, and six-speed on the FH Aero Electric with extended range, offer seamless gear shifting and produce less noise and vibration for a more comfortable workday. 

Integrated directly into the drive units, the specialized e-gearbox replaces the diesel-derived transmission frameworks used in older electric generations. The 8-speed gearbox is paired directly with dual electric motors into a single, compact drive unit that incorporates the driveline, power electronics, and transmission. 

Utilizing dual-clutch style logic, the next gear is pre-selected while driving. This allows for seamless gear shifts without any drop in torque or power delivery, ensuring the truck maintains momentum even on steep inclines or when carrying heavy loads 

Volvo’s new electric truck range was showcased at the recent international IAA Transportation fair in Hanover, Germany. The company has started to deliver the new electric trucks to customers. Production will take place at Volvo’s manufacturing facilities in Gothenburg and Ghent, Belgium.