Volvo Trucks on Tuesday announced plans to launch a new long-range version of its FH Electric that will be able to reach up to 600 km (nearly 375 miles) on one charge next year.
Volvo says the extended range represents a breakthrough for long-distance transport with zero tailpipe emissions. As the electrification of heavy trucks is continuing across the world, longer distances are now becoming a possibility. Volvo says the extended FH Electric will enable carriers to operate electric trucks on interregional and long-distance routes and to drive a full working day without having to recharge.
The company says it plans for the FH Electric to be released for sale during the second half of 2025.
“Our new electric flagship will be a great complement to our wide range of electric trucks and enable zero-exhaust emission transport also for the longer distances. It will be a great solution for transport companies with a high annual mileage on their trucks and with a strong commitment to reduce CO2,” says Roger Alm, president at Volvo Trucks.
[RELATED: Do you buy parts for your business? TPS needs your input.]
Volvo says the enabler for the 600 km range is the company's new driveline technology, the so-called e-axle, which creates space for significantly more battery capacity onboard. More efficient batteries, a further improved battery management system and overall efficiency of the powertrain also contribute to the extended range, the company says.
“The transport sector represents 7% of global carbon emissions. Battery-electric trucks are important tools to reduce the climate footprint. Besides the important environmental gains that electric trucks bring, they offer truck drivers a much better working environment, with much lower levels of noise and vibrations,” says Alm.
Volvo has now eight battery-electric models in their portfolio, which makes it possible to electrify city and regional distribution, construction, waste management and, soon, long distance transport. Volvo has so far delivered more than 3,800 electric trucks to customers in 46 countries around the world.
The company also notes it will continue to drive the transition towards fossil-free transport to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2040 using a three-path technology strategy. The three-path technology approach is built on battery electric, fuel cell electric and combustion engines that run on renewable fuels like green hydrogen, biogas or HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil).
