Volvo has recently conducted extensive tests on its electric trucks during extremely cold weather, close to the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden.

One tangible result of the winter testing is a new feature called ‘Ready to Run’. This feature prepares the truck for the workday when needed, by pre-heating - or if operating in very warm weather by cooling - the batteries and the cab of the truck. The optimal temperature for the batteries is around +25°C and the driver can easily start the preheating or precooling, remotely via an app. 

Jessica Sandström, SVP Product Management at Volvo Trucks said, “We have customers all over the world and our trucks need to perform everywhere, so harsh climate testing is essential, including our electric range of course.”

Electric trucks are an important part of the solution for reducing CO₂ emissions, but so far they represent only a modest percentage of the total truck market. Only a few hundred all-electric heavy-duty trucks have been delivered to transport companies in Europe this year.

 Jessica continued, “We are driving the change and have a leading position in the European market for electric trucks. We already have electric trucks in serial production and are delivering to customers all over Europe and North America. Our goal is that 50% of our total truck sales will be electric by 2030.”

The complete Ready to Run feature will be available on the Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric that are used for regional haul and light construction.

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Drivers can access the Ready to Run feature remotely via an app.

Volvo has tested its electric trucks during extremely cold weather.