This month, Volvo Trucks starts field testing an all-electric transport solution for the construction industry. Two heavy trucks will be delivered to construction transporter Swerock: a Volvo FM Electric and a Volvo FMX Electric. Volvo Trucks is thus trying to meet the growing demand for vehicles with lower noise and emissions, especially in sensitive, urban areas.
Following the successful introduction of the FL and FE Electric, series-produced electric trucks for urban distribution and waste collection, Volvo Trucks is now deploying two all-electric trucks complete with charging infrastructure to be tested at customer operations in the construction segment.
"Trucks in construction transport typically need to be more powerful and robust than in other segments, and electric trucks are no exception," says Jonas Odermalm, Vice President Electromobility at Volvo Trucks. "Our commercial solutions must meet the requirements of high productivity and availability. At the same time, an all-electric powertrain offers the benefits of reduced emissions and noise levels. Field tests and collaborations with customers are important for the development process."
An electric Volvo FM truck with a concrete mixer will be delivered as part of the tests. In addition, an electric Volvo FMX truck with hooklift will be used on major infrastructure projects.
The project will evaluate how electric trucks can be used to increase efficiency and reduce climate impact. The tests are not just about the performance of the vehicles themselves. It also looks at the overall electromobility system and charging options that meet the requirements of construction segment customers. The benefits of electric vehicles for urban distribution are measured in terms of quieter transport, on-site safety and driver comfort.
"This kind of testing is valuable to gain more insight into the customer's operations and what electric vehicles mean when it comes to daily driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters. And that with all the benefits of quieter, cleaner transport," says Ebba Bergbom Wallin, Business Manager Electromobility at Volvo Trucks.
The field test of the two electric trucks will allow the company to evaluate how they are used and determine what improvements are needed before wider deployment.
"Together with Volvo Trucks, we are taking a big step towards climate-friendly transport. This puts the trucks of tomorrow with fewer fossil fuel emissions within reach. We already have 15 hybrid concrete mixers and through this project we are now testing vehicles that are fully electric," says Hans Orest, Division Manager at Swerock and part of the PEAB Group.
Facts: Volvo Trucks' first heavy-duty electric field test
- The collaboration involves testing two electric vehicles: a Volvo FM with concrete mixer and a Volvo FMX with hooklift.
- The project is being carried out jointly by Volvo Trucks and Swerock, with support from JOAB and Saraka.
- Electric Volvo FM will deliver concrete to Swerock customers in urban areas.
- The electric Volvo FMX with hooklift will mainly be used in larger infrastructure projects and urban construction activities.
Source: Volvo media.
