Volvo Trucks reveals the technology in its new heavy-duty electric trucks

Volvo Trucks is fully prepared to catalyze a rapid shift to more sustainable transportation, and a major upswing in electrification of heavy road transport, with its recently launched Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric vehicles.

Breakthrough technology based on shared platforms makes them highly suitable for a wide range of hauling assignments, enabling many transport companies to embark on their own electrification journey more easily.

With the sales start of three new all-electric trucks – the FH, FM and FMX – Volvo Trucks can now offer customers a total range of six electrified truck models. The production of the new trucks will initially start with tractors in the second half of 2022, followed by rigids in the beginning of 2023.

The new heavy-duty trucks for the regional haul and construction segments have a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 44 tons and come in two alternative chassis heights, with wheelbases from 3800 to 6700 mm and a variety of two, three or four axle configurations.

“Built on the same highly-successful platform as their diesel or gas-powered counterparts, our new electric trucks provide great flexibility and the ability to meet a very wide variety of transport needs,” comments Jonas Odermalm, Vice President of Electromobility Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

Three electric motors are coupled with Volvo Trucks’ well-proven I-Shift gearbox which has a unique new gear shifting strategy optimized for electric operations. Together, the motors and I-Shift gearbox form a powerful electric drive unit that offers unprecedented, high-efficiency drivability – with a combined electric motor power of 490 kW (666 hp) and a gearbox torque of up to 28,000 Nm.

“Because the truck always starts in the highest possible gear, energy efficiency and savings are achieved, thanks to minimized gear shifting. At the same time lower gears are of course available for steep roads or in starting situations that require additional torque and control,” Jonas Odermalm explains.

For power take-off, PTO, capability there are three options to meet the customer’s needs: one electric (40 kW), one electro-mechanical (70 kW) and one gearbox mounted (150 kW).

More in the forthcoming issue of Export & Freight magazine.