Volvo Trucks has introduced its first all-electric truck for commercial use. The Volvo FL Electric has been designed for urban distribution and refuse operations, among other applications. Sales and series production of the new model will start in Europe in 2019.

Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks said, "We're immensely proud to present the first in a range of fully electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic. With this model we are making it possible for cities that aim for sustainable urban development to benefit from the advantages of electrified truck transports."

Volvo says there is considerable market interest in electric trucks and many potential customers have questions about the opportunities created by the new technology and how it can assist their operations.

Jonas Odermalm, Head of Product Strategy Volvo FL and Volvo FE at Volvo Trucks said, "In order to make the transition secure and smooth, we will offer holistic solutions based on each customer's individual needs regarding driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters. Such a solution may encompass everything from route analysis and battery optimisation to servicing and financing. Volvo Trucks works closely with several suppliers of charging equipment. The aim as always is to offer customers high uptime and productivity."

To ensure that raw materials for the batteries are extracted in a responsible way, the Volvo Group works with the Drive Sustainability network, which has a special function that monitors this issue. The Volvo Group is also involved in various projects where batteries from heavy electric vehicles get a second lease of life and are reused for energy storage.

“All the questions about handling of batteries have not yet been solved, but we are working actively both within the Group and with others to drive development and create the necessary solutions," said Jonas Odermalm.

The first two pre-production trucks in the Volvo FL Electric range are now entering regular operation with customers in Gothenburg, the home of Volvo Trucks.