Gothenburg-based haulage firm Mattson Åkeri has received a delivery of an electric 74-tonne truck from Volvo Trucks, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation in the industry. Volvo Trucks is now conducting testing of the Volvo FH Electric 6X4 model, which is equipped with two trailers, for container transport operations within the port area of Gothenburg. Mattson Åkeri, impressed by the electric truck’s capabilities, has already placed an order for three heavy-duty electric trucks from Volvo.
The Volvo FH Electric 6X4, spanning 32 metres in length, boasts an impressive towing capacity of 74 tonnes when coupled with its two trailers. This electric truck will primarily serve the route between Gothenburg and Borås, located approximately 70 kilometres away from the port. By deploying this sustainable solution, Volvo Trucks aims to demonstrate the viability of all-electric vehicles in applications requiring high total weights and frequent utilization. The project, known as HCT (High-Capacity Transport), involves close collaboration between Volvo Trucks, Mattson Åkeri, the Swedish Transport Administration, and several other partners.
Over the past few weeks, Mattson Åkeri has been putting the electric truck to the test in container traffic operations within the port area of Arendal, Gothenburg. The ongoing trial period seeks to evaluate the electric truck’s performance and efficiency under demanding conditions. Lena Larsson, the project manager of the HCT project within Volvo’s technology organization, emphasizes the importance of optimizing the electric truck’s operations, particularly the charging process, in order to maximize its efficiency. The project team is actively exploring the most effective methods of charging to ensure seamless operations.
Currently, the charging infrastructure for the electric trucks includes two fast 180 kW chargers strategically located at the Mattsson Åkeri depot in Arendal. Moreover, Mattson Åkeri emphasizes its commitment to sourcing power exclusively from renewable energy sources to ensure that the trucks are charged with clean electricity. This commitment aligns with the industry’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards sustainable transport solutions.
Jan-Olof Mattsson, the CEO of Mattson Åkeri, attests to the success of the electric truck’s performance thus far. He confirms that driving long distances and carrying heavy loads using electricity has proven to be highly effective, allowing the electric trucks to match the cargo capacity of their diesel counterparts. With the electric truck operating for 12 hours a day, charging breaks are strategically scheduled to coincide with the driver’s rest periods. In addition to the environmental benefits, the quiet operation of the electric trucks contributes to an improved working environment for the drivers.
As Volvo Trucks continues to advance electric trucking solutions, the ongoing partnership with Mattson Åkeri and the involvement of key stakeholders like the Swedish Transport Administration highlight the industry’s commitment to sustainable transportation. The successful implementation of electric trucks in high-capacity transport applications represents a significant stride towards achieving greener and more efficient logistics operations.
