Volvo unveils new heavy electric truck that boasts range up to 700km

Volvo Trucks has introduced the FH Aero Electric, a new long-distance heavy electric truck promising an impressive driving range of up to 700 kilometres. This model forms the highlight of a broader announcement that also includes the next generation of the company’s heavy-duty electric trucks—the FH, FM, and FMX Electric variants—which will each deliver ranges of up to 470 kilometres. The FH Aero Electric is equipped with energy-efficient batteries offering up to 540 kWh of on-board energy and a usable battery energy of 460 kWh, enabling it to power auxiliary equipment such as refrigeration units. One of the standout features of the FH Aero Electric is its rapid charging capability, with a maximum rate of 700 kW allowing it to recharge within the EU-mandated rest periods for truck drivers. Volvo has integrated a new driveline across its electric truck range designed for versatility, allowing operators to power auxiliary devices like concrete mixers or refuse units directly from the truck without additional motors. The new models also boast a maximum gross combination weight of up to 65 tonnes and a payload capacity of nearly 24 tonnes on the 4×2 tractor configuration. Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks, emphasised the significance of the FH Aero Electric, describing it as the industry’s leading long-haul electric truck. He highlighted its combination of extended range, high payload, fast charging, and driver comfort, asserting that it matches the productivity of traditional diesel trucks over a full working day. Alm reiterated Volvo’s commitment to electric vehicles as a major component of future truck transport, suggesting that the performance of these new models will make the transition from diesel straightforward for customers. Technological advancements also include a new gearbox optimised for electric drivetrains, paired with dual motors to provide smoother and quieter operation with less vibration. The FH, FM, and FMX Electric trucks will feature an eight-speed powershift gearbox, while the FH Aero Electric will have a six-speed variant. Volvo plans a phased rollout of these new electric trucks starting within the current year, signalling a significant step forward in the electrification of heavy-duty transport.