Volvo Trucks has announced the start of sales of its Volvo FL and Volvo FE electric trucks in selected markets within Europe, meeting the increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions in city environments.

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Developed for distribution, refuse handling and other urban transport applications, the Volvo FL Electric has capacity for a GVW (gross vehicle weight) of 16 tonnes, while the GVW of the Volvo FE Electric is 27 tonnes.

 

Sales will commence in Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands, with the start of serial production planned for March 2020. 

 

Huge potential in urban areas

 

In the absence of exhaust emissions and with reduced noise levels, electric trucks offer huge potential in urban areas. Firstly, the low noise levels make it possible to carry out deliveries and refuse collection in early mornings, late evenings or even at night, helping to improve transport logistics and reduce congestion during peak hours. Secondly, with better air quality and less noise, electric trucks create new opportunities for city planning and road infrastructure. An electric truck can, for example, be used in indoor loading areas and environmental zones. 

 

“Global urbanisation requires urban logistics and truck transport with zero emissions and less noise with increasing urgency. With the Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric, we are able to meet both the strong environmental demands as well as the high commercial requirements of our customers,” said Jonas Odermalm, the firm’s VP Product Line Electromobility.

 

One challenge is to maximise the payload at the same time as optimising the driving range. 

 

“Volvo Trucks’ solutions will be based on individual business needs that consider a number of parameters, such as driving cycles, load capacity and route analysis, to use the battery capacity in the most efficient way possible,” continued Mr Odermalm.

 

Positive feedback

 

Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric were developed in close collaboration with selected customers operating in Gothenburg, Sweden. Feedback has been very positive, and the drivers involved in the collaboration are said to be particularly impressed by the responsive driveline, seamless acceleration and how quiet the trucks are.

 

“While customer feedback has been positive, we do recognise that charging infrastructure is still under development in most cities, and we are working alongside both public and private partners to agree on a long-term strategy for the expansion of charging infrastructure,” advised Mr Odermalm. “But it’s clear that the pace of development of charging infrastructure needs to increase.”

 

Towards sustainable city distribution

 

Addressing climate change will require the availability of several driveline technologies. 

 

“Electric vehicles, charged with electricity from renewable sources, are indeed a powerful step towards more sustainable city distribution. However, there will not be one singular energy source that addresses climate change and all other environmental issues. Different types of transport require different types of driveline solutions,” concluded Mr Odermalm.