Watch out, Tesla! Volvo Plans to Build More EV Trucks
Unlike Tesla and its Semi, Volvo is already building salable electric trucks.
Volvo, the car brand, just launched the XC40 Recharge electric vehicle.Now, the separate but same-named truck company announced plans to launch a fleet of electricsemis. The Volvo truck brand already produces zero-emission big rigs such as the FE Electric, used for city distribution and waste collection throughout Europe. And it's still on track to start selling the VNR Electric regional transport truck in North America this December. After that, Volvo will continue its electric offensive with new battery-electric semis starting in 2021. Later to come are hydrogen fuel-cell trucks.
Volvo is now testing the electric FH, FM, and FMX heavy-duty trucks. With an estimated range of up to 186 miles, these rigs aren't meant for long trips. Like other Volvo electric trucks, these models aim to serve local transport and urban construction needs in Europe. Sales commence next year, with volume production starting in 2022. At this time, Volvo plans to have a complete range of electric trucks in Europe for a number of services.
Sometime during this decade, Volvo plans to bring out long-haul electric trucks. Part of this strategy involves introducing hydrogen fuel-cell rigs in the second half of 2020. The ultimate goal is to wean all Volvo big rigs off fossil fuels by 2040.
0:00 / 0:00
Most companies will take time their switching over to a fully electric fleet. Knowing this, Volvo has made its chassis built to fit different drivelines, so it can offer trucks of the same model in electric, gas, or diesel configurations.
Also looking to cash in on the EV big rig market is Tesla. The American brand claims its Semi can travel 300-500 miles on a full charge, depending on the configuration chosen. Production was expected to begin in 2019 but has since been delayed.
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
Read More
