Volvo To Go After Tesla’s Semi With Electric Truck In 2019

Volvo Trucks has announced that it will start selling electric tricks in Europe starting next year with North America to follow.

According to the truck manufacturer, electric trucks will play an important role in improving the quality of life of residents in urban areas. It also claims that these trucks are just one of the important sustainable transport solutions that need to be adopted.

Although the announcement of the all-electric Volvo Trucks comes a few months after the Tesla Semi was unveiled, the Volvos will hit the streets much sooner.

Beyond simply being more environmentally friendly, Volvo Trucks president Claes Nilsson says electric trucks also have the advantage of being much quieter than traditional diesel alternatives.

“By using electrically powered and quieter trucks for goods transport in urban areas, we meet several challenges simultaneously. Without disturbing noise and exhaust gases, it will be possible to operate in more sensitive city centres.

“Transport may also take place throughout less busy periods, for example in late evening and at night. This will reduce the burden on the roads during daytime rush-hour traffic, allowing both the road network and vehicles to be utilized far more effectively than today,” Nilsson said.

During a recent study conducted by Stockholm City and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, it was determined that electric trucks could carry out assignments in one-third of the normal time as they didn’t need to operate in rush-hour traffic.

“We believe in full electrification for urban distribution as a first step. However, we are working with electrification for other transport applications. This is only the beginning,” Nilsson concluded.

Note: Volvo hybrid truck pictured