Premiere for Volvo Trucks' First All-electric Truck

PR73053

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, April 12, 2018 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Volvo Trucks now introduces its first all-electric truck for commercial use -

the Volvo FL Electric for urban distribution and refuse operations, among other

applications. Sales and series production of the new model will start in Europe

next year. With this introduction Volvo Trucks takes the lead in solutions for

electrified goods transport in cities.  

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:  

http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8305051-premiere-volvo-trucks-first-all-electric/

"We're immensely proud to present the first in a range of fully

electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic. With this model we

are making it possible for cities that aim for sustainable urban development to

benefit from the advantages of electrified truck transports," says Claes

Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.

With better air quality and less noise in the city, it is possible to plan for

housing and infrastructure more freely than at present. An electric truck

without any exhaust emissions can be used in indoor terminals and environmental

zones. Their low noise level creates opportunities for doing more work at

night, thus reducing the burden on the roads during the day.

There is considerable market interest in electric trucks. Many potential

customers have questions about the opportunities generated by the new

technology and how it can impact their operations.

"In order to make the transition secure and smooth, we will offer holistic

solutions based on each customer's individual needs regarding driving cycles,

load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters. Such a solution may

encompass everything from route analysis and battery optimisation to servicing

and financing. Volvo Trucks works closely with several suppliers of charging

equipment. The aim as always is to offer customers high uptime and

productivity," says Jonas Odermalm, head of product strategy Volvo FL and Volvo

FE at Volvo Trucks.

Backing the Volvo Trucks offer is the Volvo Group's accumulated expertise in

electrified transport solutions. Sister company Volvo Buses has sold more than

4000 electrified buses since 2010. The technology used for propulsion and

energy storage in the Volvo FL Electric has been thoroughly tried and tested

from the outset and is supported by Volvo Trucks' far-reaching network for

sales, service and parts supply.  

"From experience we know how important it is that cities, energy suppliers and

vehicle manufacturers cooperate in order for large-scale electrification to

become a reality. With attractive incentives, agreed standards and a long-term

strategy for urban planning and expansion of the charging infrastructure, the

process can go much faster," explains Jonas Odermalm.

Volvo Trucks believes that it is essential to take a holistic view of

electrification of the transport sector to handle the ongoing challenges in

areas such as electricity generation and batteries.

"For instance, in order to ensure that raw materials for the batteries are

extracted in a responsible way, the Volvo Group works with the Drive

Sustainability network, which has a special function that monitors this issue.

The Volvo Group is also involved in various projects where batteries from heavy

electric vehicles get a second lease of life, reused for energy storage. All

the questions about handling of batteries have not yet been solved, but we are

working actively both within the Group and together with other actors to drive

development and create the necessary solutions," says Jonas Odermalm.

The first trucks in the Volvo FL Electric range are now entering regular

operation with customers in Gothenburg, the home of Volvo Trucks.

Facts  

Fully electrically-powered truck for distribution, refuse collection and other

applications in urban conditions, GVW 16 tonnes.

Driveline: 185 kW electric motor, max power/130 kW continuous output, two speed

transmission, propeller shaft, rear axle. Max torque electric motor 425 Nm. Max

torque rear axle 16 kNm.

Energy storage: 2-6 lithium-ion batteries, totalling 100-300 kWh.

Range: Up to 300 km.

Charging: AC charging via the mains grid (22 kW) or DC fast charge via

CCS/Combo2 for up to 150 kW.

Recharging time: From empty to fully charged batteries: fast charge 1-2 hours

(DC charging), night charge up to 10 hours (AC charging) with maximum battery

capacity of 300 kWh.

The first two Volvo FL Electric trucks will be operated by refuse collection

and recycling company Renova and haulage firm TGM.   

The Off Peak City Distribution project studied the effects of goods transport

at night in central Stockholm. By avoiding peak hour traffic the trucks were

able to do their jobs in one-third of the time compared to daytime operation.

Link to high resolution pictures:

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For broadcast-quality videos supporting this press release and more, please

visit http://www.thenewsmarket.com/volvotrucks

Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks image and film gallery

at http://images.volvotrucks.com

Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and

demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks.

Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,100 dealers and workshops

in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 16 countries across

the globe. In 2017, more than 112,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide.

Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers

of trucks, buses and construction equipment and marine and industrial engines.

The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks´ work

is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

For further information, please contact:  

Fredrik Klevenfeldt

Director Public Relations and Social Media  

Volvo Trucks

Tel: +46-31- 322-1106; email:fredrik.klevenfeldt@volvo.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/675665/Volvo_Electric_Trucks.jpg

Source:  Volvo Trucks