Volvo Trucks has introduced new, more powerful batteries for its medium-duty electric trucks, the Volvo FL and Volvo FE. 

The new batteries offer 42% more energy capacity and are capable of delivering an increased range of up to 450 km (280 miles) in the Volvo FL Electric or 275 km (170 miles) in the Volvo FE Electric, the company said.

The trucks can now handle most types of routes and assignments in urban areas, as well as power equipment for energy-consuming assignments like refuse handling or city construction.

The higher capacity means that fewer batteries are needed to supply the same power. If customer assignments require shorter ranges, they can increase their payload by using fewer batteries—with a payload increase of 500 kg for every battery not carried.

“With a range of up to 450 km, our electric trucks are ready to replace our customers’ entire fleet of diesel city trucks,” says Jessica Sandström, SVP Product Management at Volvo Trucks. “For some customers, it’s more important to get extra payload, rather than maximizing the range.”

Source: Volvo