Volvo Trucks has announced the launch of the enhanced version of its Volvo VNR Electric with up to 85% increased range and faster charging in North America.
Volvo Trucks started the serial production of electric trucks in 2019 as one of the very first truck brands in the world. The product range now includes six electric truck models – the Volvo FH, Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FE, Volvo FL and the Volvo VNR.
According to a press statement, the Volvo VNR Electric is one of Volvo Trucks six all-electric heavy truck models and is specially designed for the North American market.
Production of the truck will start in Q2 2022 at the company’s New River Valley plant in Virginia, which is the exclusive producer of all Volvo trucks in North America.
The first generation of Volvo VNR Electric had an operating range of up to 240 km (150 miles). Now an enhanced version of class-8 (gross vehicle weight rating of 15 tonne and above) electric truck is launched, with an operational range of up to 440 km (275 miles) and increased energy storage of up to 565kWh. The improved performance is due to improved battery design and a new six battery-package option.
The new truck also reduces the required charging time, as the 250kW charging capability provides an 80% charge in 90 minutes for the six-battery package and 60 minutes for the four-battery version.
Peter Voorhoeve, President, Volvo Trucks North America, said, “It is a testament to Volvo Trucks’ leadership in a continuously evolving industry that we are bringing the enhanced version of our VNR Electric to the market only a year after sales of the VNR Electric first started.”
Roger Alm, President, Volvo Trucks, said, “We are determined to lead the transformation of the transport industry. In only eight years’ time, our goal is that half of our global truck sales are electric. The interest among customers is high, and it’s quickly becoming a competitive advantage for transporters to be able to offer electric, sustainable transports. That is very encouraging.”