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.
"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.
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