In 2019 Volvo Trucks will start selling electric medium-duty trucks in Europe.  “Electromobility is fully in line with Volvo Truck’s long-term commitment for sustainable urban development and zero emissions,” said Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks. “This is only the beginning.” 

Electric trucks significantly reduce noise and exhaust emissions. More movements can be carried out at night so fewer trucks need to compete for road space during busy periods.  

“Our technology and know-how within electromobility are based on proven commercial solutions already in use on Volvo’s electric buses and hybrid trucks as far back as 2010. The vehicles themselves are only one part of what is needed for large-scale electrification to succeed,” says Jonas Odermalm, Head of Product Strategy Medium Duty Vehicles at Volvo Trucks. 

Enabling long-term sustainable transport is a complex issue that requires a holistic and wide range of measures. “We are working closely with customers, cities, suppliers of charging infrastructure and other key stakeholders to create the necessary framework for electric trucks,” said Jonas. 

According to the World Health Organizs,ation and the UN, 60% of the planet’s population – about 5 billion people – will live in cities by 2030. This is an increase of just over 1 billion compared with current levels. This swift pace of urbanisation will impose immense demands on traffic systems many of which are already insufficient to meet current needs. Within the EU it is estimated that congestion and related traffic problems cost about 100 billion euros per year.