Volvo Challenges Daimler With Its First All-Electric Truck

Electric automobiles have continued to become a more prominent staple in the overall market. Automobile companies like Tesla and Daimler have already started expanding their inventory to include electric semi-trucks, with the former showcasing their sleek new addition last fall and the latter rolling out their FUSO eCanter electric trucks in Europe. Looking to stay competitive, the Swedish vehicle manufacturer Volvo announced that it is ready to reveal and deploy the FL Electric, their first all-electric truck.

While Daimler has had time to conquer the market, Volvo’s FL Electric offers product features that challenge and presents a more powerful alternative to the FUSO eCanter. The FL Electric has a maximum peak output of 185 kW and boasts a range of 186 miles. Compared to the FUSO eCanter’s range of only 62 miles, that’s a huge difference! Volvo’s electric truck also sports a 175 horsepower electric motor with 313 pound-feet of torque, meaning it has more than enough power output to support its gross weight of around 16 tons.

German courier company DHL has already contracted Daimler for its delivery trucks, while companies Renova and TGM are in talks with Volvo. Additionally, several companies in Gothenburg, Sweden have already committed to using the FL Electric.

“We know from experience how important it is that cities, energy suppliers and vehicle manufacturers pull together to ensure large-scale electrification. Attractive incentives, common standards and a long-term strategy for urban planning and the expansion of the charging infrastructure can significantly accelerate the process,” said Jonas Odermalm, responsible for Volvo Trucks’ product strategy for the Volvo FL and Volvo FE.

The first units will be in production and on the streets in 2019.