Volvo’s Making Electric Trucks Now, Too


Volvo is getting serious about electric vehicles. But the automaker isn’t the only one getting into the game. So is the truck manufacturer of the same name.

Despite the shared heritage, name, branding, and even typeface, the two Volvos are no longer related. While Geely owns the automaker, the truck manufacturer is its own company. (Although Geely did recently buy a small portion of the truckmaker as well.) The Volvo Group also controls the Renault and Mack truck brands (among others).


The commercial vehicle manufacturer has now introduced the Volvo FL Electric. It’s designed for “urban distribution and refuse operations, among other applications.” And it offers lower noise levels and better air quality than conventionally powered trucks.

The FL is powered by an electric motor producing 185 kW (248 hp) and 425 Nm (313 lb-ft) of torque. That’s backed up by between two and six lithium-ion batteries (depending on requirements). They can supply between 100 and 300 kWh for a range of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles). The truck can quick-charge in 1-2 hours via DC power, or charge up via AC power in 10 hours overnight.


“We’re immensely proud to present the first in a range of fully electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic,” said Volvo Trucks president Claes Nilsson. “With this model we are making it possible for cities that aim for sustainable urban development to benefit from the advantages of electrified truck transports.”

While this is the first fully electric truck from Volvo, it has offered hybrid trucks for some time already. And the bus division has been producing people-moving EVs for eight years now. This won’t be the last, either, as Volvo Trucks plans to offer a full range of battery-powered models.

Carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more