Trucking Efficiency Roundup: Volvo, Harbinger, and NJEDA advance fleet electrification with new tech and funding

Volvo Trucks adds new stop/start engine tech to boost fuel efficiency for heavy-duty fleets

Volvo Trucks recently launched a new stop/start engine feature withn its I-Roll technology for its non-American cabovers, marking what the company said is a "world first for heavy-duty trucks" and aimed at reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions. The system uses road and curvature data to shut off the engine on downhill slopes, contributing additional savings on top of existing efficiency gains.

“Our engineers have done it again—innovating a new engine technology that contributes to making transport by truck more fuel-efficient,” Jan Hjelmgren, head of product management at Volvo Trucks, said. “As part of our decarbonization strategy, we will continue to innovate to make our combustion engines even better and to reduce our impact on the environment.”

The feature will be available on the cabover Volvo FH and FH Aero models with 13-liter diesel engines starting in November 2025, supporting the company’s global decarbonization strategy. Learn more…

NJEDA launches $50 million program to expand EV charging for commercial fleets in New Jersey

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board recently approved the $50 million Take Charge Program to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure for private commercial fleets across the state. The program will help cover costs for hardware, installation, and necessary site upgrades to support reliable charging for fleets adopting electric vehicles.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is leading the way in advancing robust programs and initiatives aimed to create a cleaner environment for future generations,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan stated. “The Take Charge Program will complement the NJEDA’s other clean energy initiatives that support expanding the state’s fleet of electric vehicles, improving air quality, saving businesses money, and bolstering our green economy.”

For-profit commercial organizations with two or more vehicles are eligible to apply, with awards covering up to 50% of project costs and a minimum of $50,000 per project. The program is funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and allows applicants to pursue multiple projects across different sites, with total awards capped at $5 million. Learn more…

Harbinger raises $160 million to scale medium-duty electric trucks for FedEx and commercial fleets

Harbinger recently raised $160 million in a Series C funding round co-led by FedEx, Capricorn, and THOR Industries, bringing total funding to $358 million. FedEx also placed an initial order for 53 Class 5 and 6 electric vehicles, reflecting its goal to electrify its pickup and delivery fleet and optimize network operations.

“Any vehicle that holds up to our rigorous on-road testing and offers state-of-the-art safety features with lower total cost of ownership is a win-win for drivers and for our business,” Paul Melander, SVP of safety and transportation at FedEx, stated. “As we work toward a goal to electrify the entire FedEx pickup and delivery fleet by 2040, this trifecta of performance, price, and operational resilience is what we need to be able to continue to scale. We look forward to bringing these Class 5 and 6 units into our fleet and seeing electric medium-duty trucking options—like what Harbinger is offering—become more accessible in the marketplace for commercial fleets of all sizes.” 

Harbinger’s vehicles are built on a proprietary electric platform designed for medium-duty fleets, offering modular battery options, competitive acquisition costs, and advanced driver assistance features. Learn more…

This piece was created with the assistance of generative AI tools and was edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.