Volvo’s electric trucks have achieved a remarkable milestone, collectively covering over 80 million kilometers since their introduction in 2019. These trucks, which have significantly reduced CO2 emissions and improved driver working conditions, are proving to be a sustainable alternative in the transport sector.
Data monitoring Volvo’s fleet of electric trucks reveals the extent of their impact, with the equivalent diesel-powered trucks needing over 25 million liters of diesel to cover the same distance. This has resulted in a reduction of 68,000 tons of tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions.
“I am happy to see how transport companies are embracing the benefits of electric trucks in daily operations,” said Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks. “The transport sector represents 7% of global carbon emissions, and battery-electric trucks are an important tool to reduce the climate footprint. Thanks to many early adopters, we can already see the huge potential of this technology.”
Volvo’s early entry into the electric truck segment has provided valuable insights and expertise in zero-emission transport. These learnings are being utilized in the development of Volvo’s next-generation electric offerings.
Transport companies that have adopted electric trucks are experiencing a competitive advantage by offering emission-free transport. Maximizing the investment in both electric trucks and charging infrastructure builds a strong business case. Optimizing logistics, driving routes, and sharing charging facilities between operators are some strategies being employed.
The benefits of electric trucks extend beyond environmental gains. Drivers are reporting a significantly better working environment with lower levels of noise and vibrations.
Volvo Trucks’ global deliveries of electric trucks saw a remarkable 256% increase to 1,977 trucks in 2023. The company continues to see strong customer interest in 2024. In Europe, more than half of the electric truck customers chose Volvo in the first quarter of this year, with Volvo’s share of the electric truck segment at 56%. In the United States, Volvo represented 44% of all sold electric trucks.
To date, Volvo has delivered over 3,500 electric trucks to customers in 45 countries on six continents. In 2023, Volvo Trucks expanded its electric truck presence by delivering its first heavy-duty electric trucks to Latin America, with vehicles going to customers in Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Volvo also became the first truck maker to deliver battery-electric heavy trucks in Morocco, South Korea, and Malaysia.
“Not only transport companies but also buyers of transport and logistic services are signing up to SBTi – Science Based Target initiative – and are starting to demand sustainable transport solutions from their providers. This is yet another driver of the shift to electric trucks,” added Roger Alm.