Volvo Trucks has revealed the latest iteration of its FL Electric and FE Electric trucks, enhancing the medium-duty duo with increased AC charging power and a novel electric power take-off interface. The updated models are set for customer deliveries in the first half of 2024.
Tailored for urban delivery transport and waste management with a gross vehicle weight of up to 16.7 tonnes, the Volvo FL Electric, and its offshoot, the FE Electric, designed for weights up to 27 tonnes, were first introduced in 2019. Both models have garnered popularity across multiple markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The revamped versions are now available for order.
In addition to a battery upgrade announced earlier in the summer, Volvo Trucks has visually refreshed the duo and doubled the AC charging power from 22 to 43 kW. This enhancement is anticipated to cut the charging time with alternating current by approximately 50%, reducing it from the previous estimate of 16.8 hours to about 8.4 hours for a full charge.
A notable addition is the electric power take-off interface, enabling the direct electrical operation of superstructures. This innovation streamlines the body-building process and contributes to weight savings, according to Volvo.
Other updates include a redesigned front end, LED headlights, slimmer exterior mirrors, an optional 360-degree camera, and new safety functions like Vulnerable Road User Detection, side collision monitoring, and a driver warning system.
The earlier-reported battery generation upgrade is expected to extend the range of the FE and FL Electric models to up to 450 kilometers. Deliveries of vehicles equipped with these improved batteries are slated to commence in the autumn of 2023.
Volvo Trucks aims to maintain its leadership in the electric truck market, with statistics indicating that nearly 5,000 electric trucks have been sold in 40 countries worldwide since the company commenced production in 2019. This figure encompasses various weight classes, including the heavy-duty FH, FM, and FMX models, as well as the medium-duty VNR designed for North America. Volvo Trucks has set an ambitious goal for 50% of all trucks sold globally to be electric by 2030.
