Volvo introduces fully-electric truck range to the South African market
In recent years, the world has witnessed a tremendous shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly practices in various industries. One notable sector that has been actively pursuing a greener future is the transportation industry. With the goal of reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the environmental impact of heavy-duty vehicles, manufacturers have been racing to develop electric trucks that offer both power and sustainability and Volvo Trucks has emerged as a trailblazer.
Local introduction
The company is now offering its most popular extra heavy trucks in its electric line-up: the Volvo FH, the Volvo FM, and the Volvo FMX. They will be available in truck tractor or rigid configurations, from 4x2 to 8x4, giving it the industry’s most extensive portfolio of zero exhaust emission trucks.
Will this even work?
In total, the Swedish truck manufacturer has sold almost 5,000 electric trucks since 2019 in about 40 countries. The Volvo Electric Truck represents a monumental leap forward in the realm of commercial transportation. Combining Volvo's legacy of reliability and performance with cutting-edge electric technology, this heavy-duty electric truck is poised to revolutionize the industry and set new standards for sustainability.
Local implementation
Locally, the first electric FM 4X2 Tractor was presented to a valued Volvo customer, KDG Logistics. The company will use the truck in its operations to move new passenger vehicles between factories/storage facilities and the Durban Port. One of the most remarkable features of the Volvo Electric FM Truck is its impressive range. Equipped with high-capacity batteries, it can travel long distances on a single charge, making it suitable for various applications, from regional and intercity deliveries to construction and refuse transportation.
What power does it produce?
The Volvo Electric Truck boasts exceptional power and performance. With an electric drivetrain that delivers instant torque, it provides swift acceleration and smooth handling, ensuring a comfortable and efficient driving experience. These new trucks are designed to handle high temperature ranges and a variety of operational conditions. With a driveline that has 490kW or power and 2400Nm of torque.
The truck's electric powertrain also operates silently, significantly reducing noise pollution, which is especially beneficial for nighttime deliveries in urban areas or noise-sensitive zones.
Battery and gearbox specification
Depending on the model, two or three electric motors combined with an I-Shift gearbox adapted for electromobility provide a smooth and powerful driving experience. The massive power of up to 490 kW is handled by a unique traction control system also developed to master slippery surfaces. Different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort and energy usage levels. When fitted with six battery packs, depending on the application, it has 378kWh of energy, ensuring sufficient range for most regional haul assignments.
What about customer support?
When it comes to recharging, Volvo has implemented smart solutions to minimize downtime. The truck supports various charging options, including fast charging, which can recharge the batteries to a significant extent in a relatively short time. The company has also installed 120kW DC fast chargers at each of its main dealerships, primarily as a workshop tool, but also to support demo vehicles if needed.
A Volvo electric truck will need to be serviced only once a year, so fleet downtime will be kept to a minimum.
What about the range?
The Volvo electric truck's range is up to 300 km, enough for most city and regional applications. However, the trucks can cover up to 500 km during a normal workday if a top-up charge is added, for example during the lunch break.
In conclusion, the Volvo Electric FM Truck represents a remarkable breakthrough in the world of commercial transportation. By combining Volvo's renowned performance and reliability with cutting-edge electric technology, this heavy-duty electric truck sets a new standard for sustainability, power, and efficiency.
