Volvo Trucks announced Tuesday it will launch next year a new long-range version of its FH Electric capable of reaching roughly 375 miles on a single charge – about twice the max range of the current generation FH Electric. North American VNR Electric models have a range of up to 275 miles.
The new Volvo FH Electric will be released for sale during the second half of 2025.
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The enabler for the extended range is a new driveline technology: an 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. Volvo debuted a new e-axle concept at the IAA fair in Hannover, Germany, in 2022.
The current generation FH Electric and VNR Electric uses a number of electric motors, depending on configuration, and an I-Shift gearbox.
"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," said Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm.
Volvo has so far delivered more than 3,800 electric trucks to customers in 46 countries around the world.
"The transport sector represents seven percent 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," said Alm.
Volvo's approach to zero emissions
Volvo Group is in the process of erecting a 400-acre battery plant in Mariestad, Sweden. Production is expected to begin in 2028 with ramp-up to full-scale production by 2030.
Volvo Energy, Volvo Group's newest business unit, was created to accelerating the company's electrification and sustainability journey through Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a specialized unit designed to store and release electrical energy, and on-site and en-route charging solutions.
Pilot Company and Volvo Group in 2022 agreed to jointly develop a high-performance charging network open to all battery-electric Class 8 trucks. Chargers will be located at select Pilot and Flying J travel centers, which are ideally positioned along transportation corridors and are well-equipped to serve professional drivers.