Volvo Trucks has announced what it is claiming is its next generation of heavyweight duty electric trucks unveiling new FH,FM and FMX battery electric trucks tht it says will new boast a range of up to 400 kilometres.
The Swedish truck maker claims to be a global leader in the electric truck segment and says its next gen offerings give it one of the largest electric truck line ups in the industry.
Volvo says its next-generation heavy-duty electric trucks, bring major improvements in flexibility and productivity, particularly with the new potential range of up to 400km.
The company does issued the disclaimer with the new higher range expectation, that the distance achievable does depend on external conditions such as the weather and wind resistance, along with other factors including total weight of the truck as well as the driver’s performance.
Tom Chapman, Volvo Trucks Australia’s vice president, said the company is really sharpening its offering here and making electric solutions possible for an even wider range of transport applications.
“This updated truck range means we can provide even more productivity for our customers, and it has never been easier for operators to go electric,” said Chapman.
“We stand firm in our belief that electric vehicles will deliver a large part of the world’s truck transport in the future, and with the amazing performance of all our new trucks, it’s easy to see why,” he added.
Volvo is claiming that its new FH, FM and FMX electric trucks boast an all-new driveline, which it says have been designed for maximum flexibility across different applications.
The company claims it offers excellent drivability and says they have been engineered so that the driver can drive the truck and power auxiliary equipment such as a concrete mixer, hook lift or refuse unit without extra motors or add-ons.
Volvo says this is due to an integrated gearbox power take-off (PTO) with increased functionality enabling usage during driving.
It also says that the trucks will have a range of up to 400 km and claim they can be charged from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 60 minutes.
“The next-generation FH, FM and FMX Electric are packed with new, smart functions, they offer great driver comfort and make zero tailpipe emissions transport available for very wide range of transport assignments,” said Chapman.
Volvo claims its new FH, FM and FMX Electric, 
are equipped with a gearbox optimised for electric transmission paired with dual motors to deliver what it says is a smoother and more controlled performance.
A new 8-speed powershift gearbox is standard on the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric and it says that this new transmission offers seamless gear shifting while also producing less noise and vibration for a more comfortable workday.
The company tells us that its new generation electric range will be available for Australian customers to order from the 15th June
Volvo says the new electric range will be suited for a range of applications including on-road construction, regional distribution, urban logistics, utilities, refuse and heavy special applications.
The electric range’ new dual-motor drivetrain are mated to a purpose-built gearbox with eight speeds to maximise the electric torque with the trucks offering up to 540 kW or 731 hp output.
Volvo says they have been built for heavier loads and demanding topography and can be specified with twin-drive axles and low gearing for maximum flexibility.
The company says that the trucks offer a total capacity of up to 65 tons GCW (Gross Combination Weight) with a flexible battery configuration to optimise balance between range and payload.
Charging is via a 350kW CCS (Combined Charging System) that Volvo emphasises can recharge from 20 to 80 per cent in 60 minutes.
The company says that multiple configurations with several power take-off solutions with split motors or dual-motor output for cranes, hook lifts or tipper bodies, along with truck and body mounted equipment that can be operated simultaneously.
Volvo says it is driving the transition towards fossil-free transport to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2040.
The company claims it is using a three-path technology strategy that is built on battery electric, fuel cell electric and combustion engines that are able to run on renewable fuels such as green hydrogen, biogas, biodiesel or HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).
