Volvo’s Making Electric Trucks Now, Too

Volvo is getting serious about electric vehicles. But the automaker isn’t the only one getting into the game. So is the truck manufacturer of the same name.

Despite the shared heritage, name, branding, and even typeface, the two Volvos are no longer related. While Geely owns the automaker, the truck manufacturer is its own company. (Although Geely did recently buy a small portion of the truckmaker as well.) The Volvo Group also controls the Renault and Mack truck brands (among others).

The commercial vehicle manufacturer has now introduced the Volvo FL Electric. It’s designed for “urban distribution and refuse operations, among other applications.” And it offers lower noise levels and better air quality than conventionally powered trucks.

The first of many

The FL is powered by an electric motor producing 185 kW (248 hp) and 425 Nm (313 lb-ft) of torque. That’s backed up by between two and six lithium-ion batteries (depending on requirements). They can supply between 100 and 300 kWh for a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles). The truck can quick-charge in 1-2 hours via DC power, or charge up via AC power in 10 hours overnight.

“We’re immensely proud to present the first in a range of fully electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic,” said Volvo Trucks president Claes Nilsson. “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.”

While this is the first fully electric truck from Volvo, it has offered hybrid trucks for some time already. And the bus division has been producing people-moving EVs for eight years now. This won’t be the last, either, as Volvo Trucks plans to offer a full range of battery-powered models.