Volvo marks series production on heavy-duty EVs

Swedish manufacturer Volvo Trucks is beginning series production of its heavy-duty electric models with global deliveries set to ramp up.  And customers in Australia and New Zealand can expect to see the vehicles on local roads in the near future.  Electric versions of the company’s “most important” heavy-duty truck range includes the Volvo FH, FM, and FMX which can operate at a gross combination weight (GCW) of 44 tonnes. The three models represent around two thirds of the company’s sales. 

Volvo Trucks is the first global truck manufacturer to begin series production on electric heavy-duty trucks in that weight range.  With the new additions, Volvo Trucks has six electric truck models in series production globally which makes it the broadest electric truck line up in the industry. Volvo Trucks president Roger Alm says the company is “leading the transformation of the industry” through the production milestone.  “It’s less than two years ago since we showcased our heavy electric trucks for the very first time.  Now we are ramping up volumes and will deliver these trucks to customers all over Europe and later on also to customers in Asia, Australia and Latin America,” Alm says.

Volvo says demand for electric trucks is “rapidly increasing” in many markets, with one driving force being the need for transport buyers to shift to fossil-free transports in order to meet their sustainability goals.  Based on Eurostat statistics, Volvo Trucks’ electric portfolio could cover around 45% of all goods transported in Europe today, it says.

The company has sold around 1000 units of its heavy electric trucks and more than 2600 of its electric trucks in total.  “We expect volumes to increase significantly in the next few years. By 2030, at least 50% of the trucks we sell globally should be electric,” Alm adds.