Volvo Trucks is strengthening their line of production electric trucks with the launch of the upgraded Volvo VNR Electric. One of the improved capabilities is an increased range of up to 85 percent and a fast charging feature.
The Volvo VNR Electric is one of six Volvo Trucks all-electric heavy truck models and is designed specifically for the North American market. Sales of the Volvo VNR Electric itself began in December 2020.
The first generation Volvo VNR Electric introduced in December 2020 has a range of up to 240 km or about 150 miles. For this upgraded version the truck’s range is further extended to 440 km or 275 miles. Another aspect that is improved is the energy storage of up to 565kWh. This increased energy storage capability is due to the use of a new battery design and the option of a new six battery pack.
For battery charging, Volvo managed to make a 250kW to 80% charge take only 90 minutes for a six-battery pack. As for the four-battery pack, charging only takes 60 minutes.
Production of this version of the Volvo VNR Electric will begin in Q2 2022 at the New River Valley plant in Virginia. This plant is the exclusive manufacturer of all Volvo trucks in North America.
Six Electric Truck Models
Previously, the Volvo FH Electric Truck exceeded expectations in energy efficiency tests. Volvo Trucks itself targets that by 2030 half of the products they sell will be electric trucks.
“We are determined to lead the transformation of the transportation industry. In just eight years, our goal is that half of our global truck sales will be electric. Interest among customers is high, and it is quickly becoming a competitive advantage for carriers to be able to offer sustainable electric transportation. That’s very encouraging,” commented Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.
Volvo Trucks itself began production of electric trucks in 2019, and was one of the first brands to produce electric trucks. Currently, Volvo Trucks has six electric truck models – Volvo FH, Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FE, Volvo FL and Volvo VNR.