As Class 8 EV momentum slows, Volvo reinforces electrification path with VNL Electric and new vocational technology

Despite a broader slowdown in the heavy-duty EV market, Volvo Trucks North America remains focused on its long-haul decarbonization push. The OEM used ACT Expo to announce a second Class 8 battery-electric tractor—the VNL Electric—while simultaneously expanding the vocational capabilities of its existing VNR Electric.

The product expansion arrives at a fascinating time for the U.S. commercial EV market. The State of Sustainable Fleets 2026 market brief, published by ACT Expo’s parent company last week, reports that while medium- and heavy-duty battery-electric vehicle registrations grew 21% between 2024 and 2025, that pace is unlikely to continue. The Class 8 over-the-road tractor segment, in particular, was slower to develop and down in 2025, though signals suggest future growth as technology matures.

The loss of the federal EV tax credit, manufacturer pivots, and a 24% share of Class 8 electric tractor registrations in 2025 highlight a chilling market. The prolonged freight recession that began as EV appetite was growing during the Biden administration has faced headwinds since President Donald Trump returned to the White House.

Volvo Trucks’ three paths to transportation decarbonization

Rather than pulling back, the Volvo Group continues to refine its diversified approach amid the uncertainty, demonstrating how fleets are future-proofing ZEV strategies despite the current EV market slowdown. Lars Johansson, SVP of trucks technology for Volvo Group, global parent of North American Volvo and Mack truck brands, detailed the manufacturer’s road map during the expo.

“We have a three-path strategy when it comes to zero-emission and fossil-free transports,” Johansson said on May 4. “First of all, battery-electric vehicles are what we have in production today … definitely scaling up, taking big steps.”

VTNA already has a significant head start on that scaling. Today, more than 750 battery-electric Volvo trucks are operating across the U.S. and Canada, collectively logging more than 30 million zero-tailpipe emission miles. These deployments are supported by a growing network of Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealerships, providing the expertise and infrastructure needed to help fleets successfully transition to electric transport.

Johansson noted that the second path focuses on fuel cell electric vehicles, which are currently undergoing extensive testing. In contrast, the third path acknowledges the ongoing role of the internal combustion engine. “We believe that there is going to be a space for combustion engines also in the future, where the zero-emission application doesn’t work,” Johansson said, adding that low-carbon fuels will support this space.

Electrifying the flagship Volvo VNL and expanding VNR Electric market

To anchor its battery-electric momentum, VTNA previewed the next-generation Volvo VNL Electric. While the diesel VNL is known for long-haul operations, Volvo is strategically targeting the VNL Electric for regional haul, drayage, and city distribution—segments where zero-tailpipe emissions currently deliver the greatest impact on operations.

The VNL Electric represents the fourth truck planned on Volvo’s newly updated, powertrain-agnostic platform—joining the redesigned diesel VNL that launched in 2024, the recently launched VNR, and a future vocational model teased at ACT Expo. By using this shared vehicle architecture, VTNA can offer the same cutting-edge aerodynamic and safety features found in its new flagship tractor to the zero-emission market.

It also marks a critical shift toward an in-house supply chain. Built on more than seven years of real-world global electric trucking experience, the VNL Electric relies entirely on internal components rather than third-party sourcing.

“What is important is that this one is totally proprietary,” VTN President Peter Voorhoeve told attendees during the press event. “We have proprietary e-axles, and we have proprietary batteries built by Proterra, which is part of the Volvo Group now.”