Volvo Trucks says its electric Class 8 truck soon will arrive in North America.
Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, helped introduce the Volvo VNR to the North American market with a test drive Thursday during a virtual event, which also marked the commercial sales launch of the manufacturer’s battery-electric vehicle in the U.S and Canada.
The “zero-tailpipe emission” Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric truck model is scheduled to commence production in early 2021, Volvo Trucks said.
“The Volvo VNR Electric marks a significant step forward for electromobility in an industry that we are committed to leading as it undergoes rapid, significant change,” Voorhoeve said. “Volvo Trucks believes and invests in sustainable electromobility. Our deep understanding of the transportation ecosystem—the technology, infrastructure and applications in the trucking industry—have enabled us to deliver a solution that is both advanced yet easy to own and operate.”
The Volvo VNR Electric offers the same agility and visibility as the VNR regional-haul model, Volvo said, so drivers benefit from a fast learning curve, ease of operation and service, and a seamless transition from miles per gallon to kilowatt hours per mile. In the VNR Electric, drivers are provided with a familiar human-machine interface, operation and design. At the same time, they experience a quieter ride and improved working environment, reducing stress and fatigue, and increasing overall comfort.
VNR safety criteria and features are retained in the electric model, including the high safety standards in the construction of the cab and chassis. The construction of the battery support carrier system also was designed with those safety standards in mind. The VNR Electric also features the same best-in-class active safety systems as the VNR model. In addition, the specifically designed location of the batteries on the side of the vehicle, as well as the air compressor under the driver door, also enhance serviceability, the company maintained.
The VNR Electric is designed for customer applications and driving cycles with local and regional distribution ranges, including food and beverage and pick-up and delivery routes. The 264-kWh lithium-ion batteries, which charge up to 80% within 70 minutes, have an operating range of up to 150 miles based on the truck’s configuration. Advanced battery chemistries deliver increased power at reduced costs, while self-learning controls optimize energy usage. Regenerative braking can increase range by returning power up to 15% back into the battery, depending on the duty cycle. Cutting-edge battery monitoring technology relays the state of health for the energy source in real time, streamlining service needs and maximizing uptime.
The VNR Electric provides the “power, performance and reliability” U.S. and Canadian fleet operators need and expect, Volvo added. The electric driveline is a fully integrated, proprietary solution rated at 455 horsepower and generating up to 4,051 pound-feet of torque. The VNR Electric features a two-speed Volvo I-Shift transmission that delivers smooth and efficient acceleration with excellent startability and low-speed maneuverability. Models are offered in three configurations:
- Single-axle straight truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,200 pounds
- Two tractor configurations—4x2 with a 66,000-pound gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and 6x2 with an up-to 82,000-ppound GCWR in specific applications
The VNR Electric includes Volvo Trucks’ full uptime promise with onboard telematics, including Remote Diagnostics and a new real-time battery monitoring service from the Volvo Trucks Uptime Center. Volvo Action Service offers 24/7 access to highly trained uptime experts who can quickly manage service, schedule repairs and tackle any other issues that happen on the road.
With the launch of the Volvo VNR Electric, VTNA is providing customers with a range of operational solutions. A Volvo Gold Contract includes scheduled and preventative maintenance, towing and vehicle repair, which includes the lithium-ion batteries and complete electromobility system. Volvo Financial Services (VFS) provides flexible financing solutions specific to the VNR Electric and required charging infrastructure. VFS will also offer access to insurance solutions for the VNR Electric in select U.S markets via third-party licensed agents, Volvo said.
The new all-electric truck will be fully integrated into the production and manufacturing processes at the New River Valley assembly plant in Dublin VA.
“For us, it is more than just the truck. The transition to electromobility requires a tight stakeholder collaboration,” Voorhoeve concluded. “We are committed to working closely with our customers and dealers, providing end-to-end consultative support, matching available incentives, understanding the required charging infrastructure and matching the right model and specifications to their operational needs. As we hit this landmark milestone, moving forward with our pioneering customers toward a shared vision of the future, Volvo Trucks is making electromobility accessible, efficient and operationally viable.
“The future is here and we are proud to bring this new and very real solution to the North American commercial trucking industry today.”
