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 r...