Volvo Trucks continues to expand its range of electric trucks with the launch of several new extra-heavy units, also available in South Africa.

The Swedish manufacturer’s target is that half of its global total truck sales will be electric by 2030 at the latest. 

“Already producing the most complete electric line up in the global truck industry, we are now expanding our offering with the introduction of rigid electric versions of the Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX,” says Volvo Trucks South Africa MD Waldemar Christensen. 

“This makes it even easier for transport companies to make the move to electric vehicles in urban and regional areas.”

Thanks to multiple battery, cab and chassis options, the new extra-heavy rigid trucks can be designed to carry electric superstructures for a wide range of specialised transport assignments, including goods distribution, refuse collection and construction work. 

Production of the new rigid variants will begin in the first quarter of 2023. 

The range has a battery capacity of between 180 kWh and 540 kWh. 

As the vehicles are fully compliant with European Union regulations, Volvo Trucks does not expect any difficulties in homologating the vehicles for the South African market.

“With these new electric trucks we are making it easier than ever for even more South African customers to go electric,” notes Christensen.

“Fleets can have these trucks custom-built for their specific operation, to cut emissions while getting the same functionality as the diesel truck they are using today.

“Customers can choose the exact battery capacity they need for their assignments, and by not carrying more batteries onboard than needed, the payload can increase. 

“In short, we have the optimal and most cost-efficient electric transport solution, no matter the task.”

“Our customers are already ordering electric vehicles that will suit their specific business needs, with the first local deliveries expected during the first quarter of 2023,” adds Christensen.

Volvo Trucks says local customers are planning their own charging networks, especially within their respective urban and regional operations.