Volvo Trucks has started series production of the battery electric versions of the company’s heavy-duty FH, FM and FMX ranges.

These trucks can operate at a total gross combination weight of 44 t.

Including these new additions, the Swedish truck manufacturer has six electric truck models in series production globally.

“This is a milestone and proves that we are leading the transformation of the industry,” says Volvo Trucks president Roger Alm.

“It’s less than two years ago since we showcased our heavy electric trucks for the very first time.

“Now we are ramping up volumes and will deliver these great trucks to customers all over Europe, and later on also to customers in Asia, Australia and Latin America.”

In South Africa, local customer KDG Logistics has signed a letter of intent to buy two Volvo FM 4 × 2 electric truck tractors.

These units are expected to arrive during the second quarter of next year.

They will be used by KDG Logistics – an auto carrier – in a port-to-factory operation in Durban.

“This marks the first steps locally in embracing electric vehicles as part of sustainable transport solutions here in South Africa,” says Volvo Trucks South Africa MD Waldemar Christensen.

“Volvo Trucks and our customers are taking on the challenge to embrace zero-tailpipe-emission transport, despite a lack of the necessary infrastructure and legislation to drive more progress in this area locally.”

Series production of Volvo’s heaviest electric trucks will start in the Tuve factory in Gothenburg, Sweden, and next year in the factory in Ghent, Belgium.

Volvo produces its electric trucks on the same line as its conventional trucks.

The batteries are supplied by Volvo Trucks’ new battery assembly plant in Ghent.

The demand for electric trucks is increasing rapidly in many markets, notes Volvo Trucks.

The company says about 45% of all goods transported in Europe today typically travel a distance of less than 300 km, which means its electric portfolio could cover almost half of the continent’s road logistics market.

“We have sold around 1 000 units of our heavy electric trucks and more than 2 600 of our electric trucks in total,” says Alm.

“We expect volumes to increase significantly in the next few years. By 2030, at least 50% of the trucks we sell globally should be electric.”

Volvo Trucks’ electric line-up of six truck models covers a range of applications, including city distribution, refuse handling, regional transport and construction work.