Electric truck for heavy transport up to 80 tons

Volvo Trucks introduces a new configuration of its electric commercial vehicles designed for very heavy vehicle combinations. The vehicle combination of a rigid chassis and trailer is primarily aimed at regional heavy-duty transport and timber transport.

Challenges in heavy road freight transport
Transporting goods with high gross combination weights requires drive systems capable of handling massive starting torques and offering sufficient range for regional distances. In Northern European markets, combinations of 74 or 76 tons are permitted, which presents technical hurdles for electrification due to the high energy demand and the required mechanical resilience. To reduce transport costs and environmental impact in this segment, fleet operators need electric chassis that can transport high payloads without compromising ground clearance.

Powertrain and battery architecture
The new electric truck utilizes the electric powertrain of the FH, FM, and FMX series, coupled with an 8-speed transmission developed for electric motors. Energy storage is provided by a modified battery system with a usable capacity of 640 kWh. Improved insulation and a new battery monitoring system optimize thermal efficiency for operation in colder climates. At a gross combination weight of 64 tons, the vehicle achieves a range of up to 450 kilometers per battery charge; at 74 and 76 tons, up to 420 kilometers are possible. The market launch will take place gradually in selected European markets starting in early 2027.

Charging infrastructure and mechanical integration
For recharging, the vehicle architecture supports the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) with up to 680 kW as well as the CCS2 standard with 360 kW. Charging from 20 to 80 percent can be achieved via MCS in approximately 36 minutes. Mechanically, the company is introducing axles with hub reduction. This design increases the ground clearance under the axles and improves the starting capability under extreme towing weights. An integrated electric power take-off (e-PTO) supplies cooling units directly from the traction battery, eliminating the need for a separate diesel generator.

Additional Context
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement

In the segment of heavy electric commercial vehicles for gross combination weights beyond the 40-ton mark, the Volvo FH Electric competes with vehicles such as the Scania 45 R/S and the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600. While many competitors primarily produce standard tractor units for European 40-ton long-haul transport, this version, with its 80-ton approval and hub reduction gears, focuses on Scandinavian High-Capacity Transport (HCT) requirements. The integration of the 680 kW MCS charging standard combined with 640 kWh of usable battery capacity represents a significant difference from purely CCS-based systems, as it drastically reduces charging times for energy-intensive heavy-duty operations.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.volvotrucks.co.uk