What is the Volvo Trucks approach to vehicle electrification?
Volvo started series production of electric trucks in 2019 and our customers have driven over 99 million kms in them since then. Now more than 4,200 electric Volvo trucks are in commercial operation delivering goods for our customers every day. With no emissions, no vibrations and no noise, these trucks are good for the climate and also good for society, and of course good for the drivers.
We are very global in our offering because we have sold electric trucks in 48 countries, on all continents and in all climate conditions. We have 51% market share in Europe for electric trucks as well as the widest range in the industry with eight models into series production.
With these trucks our customers can handle anything from city distribution to waste management or construction. In addition, the FH electric was awarded the title of International Truck of the Year 2024, the first electric truck ever to receive this award.
Tell us about some of Volvo’s recent product launches?
The Volvo FH is our best seller and since we launched it in 1993 we have sold more than one and a half million. Our FH Aero has a completely new aerodynamic design to lower fuel consumption and with a wide range of different powertrains.
The fuel savings are big. If we are modest we can say around 5%, but the feedback we are receiving from our customers is more on the level of seven to 8%. In only five years we have reduced fuel consumption of our products by approximately 20%.
Meanwhile, the FM Low Entry is our new electric truck that is perfect for city distribution. The driver’s seat is close to the street and the low cab ensures a maximised direct view. As a result, it is capable of achieving even the most stringent safety standards for direct vision.
Also, our new FH16 with its 17-litre engine has 780 horsepower, a torque of 3800 nm and a fuel reduction of 5% compared with the previous model. The great news is that you can run it on biodiesel and HVO just like all our other models.
How is Volvo Trucks globally able to handle the growing number of electric trucks?
We have been building up a unique competence in our company – everything from engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, sales and the service network is designed to provide our customers with the confidence to operate electric trucks.
Our global service network of 2,300 service locations is working very closely with our customers to provide them with the best tailor made solutions in the industry. That includes route planning for charging, as well as offering Volvo Gold service contracts. And thanks to Volvo Financial Services we can offer the most flexible finance solutions on the market.
Describe Volvo’s new Camera Monitoring System?
The Camera Monitoring System improves the truck’s aerodynamics and reduces the energy consumption. It offers improved direct vision, enhanced night vision and reduced blind spot areas close to the truck.
Roger Alm, President, Volvo Trucks
