Up to 600 km on a single battery charge. This is how far Volvo's next generation of heavy-duty electric trucks can drive. The increased range represents a breakthrough for emission-free long-haul transport.
The electrification of heavy trucks continues worldwide. Next year, Volvo will introduce a new long-haul version of the FH Aero Electric that can travel up to 600 km on a single battery charge. This will allow transport companies to use electric trucks on interregional and long-distance routes. For many applications, this makes it possible to drive a full working day without recharging in between. Sales of the new Volvo FH Aero Electric will start in the second half of 2025.
New powertrain technology
The basis for the 600-kilometre range is Volvo's new powertrain technology. The so-called e-axle creates space for more battery packs. More efficient batteries, an advanced battery management system and the overall efficiency of the powertrain further contribute to the increased range.
Medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks
Volvo Trucks now has both medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks, with a total of eight battery-electric models. The wide product range enables the electrification of urban and regional distribution, construction, waste handling and thus long-distance transport. Volvo has so far delivered more than 3,800 electric trucks to customers in 46 countries around the world.
Impact on climate
"The transport sector accounts for seven per cent of global CO2 emissions. Electric trucks are important tools to reduce climate impact. Besides the significant environmental benefits electric trucks bring, they offer truck drivers a better working environment, with much less noise and vibration," says Roger Alm.
Three different powertrains
Volvo Trucks is pursuing fossil-free transport to achieve its net zero emissions target by 2040 with a three-track strategy. In doing so, it is betting on three different powertrains: battery-electric, fuel cell-electric and internal combustion engines using renewable fuels such as green hydrogen, biogas or HVO.
Charging
Volvo also recently launched a new service for charging electric trucks.
Volvo Trucks' new Charging Management service helps transport companies efficiently monitor the charging of electric trucks on their own premises. It ensures that trucks within the fleet are sufficiently charged for planned operations and reduces the number of unplanned charging sessions. As a result, the service contributes to higher productivity and uptime.
Charging plan
With Charging Management, charging sessions can be planned, managed and reported via the Volvo Connect platform. It provides a visual overview of the trucks' charging process and insight into battery level and charging status. It is also possible to create a charging plan, calculating when the vehicles should be connected to the charger to start charging and when the batteries are then expected to be full. The truck starts charging when it is connected to the charging station. Deviations from the plan are reported to the user to prevent low battery levels. Reports on charging sessions of both vehicles and chargers are available for follow-up.
Transparency
"Charging is an important aspect when using an electric truck. As a transport company, you want to make sure your trucks are charged and ready for the next transport mission. Monitoring the charging process is also important, to see if there are any deviations. This service helps hauliers with this," says Johan Östberg, Electromobility Service Owner at Volvo Trucks.
Source and photos: Volvo Trucks
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