Volvo Trucks has recently teased their upcoming Volvo VNR electric semi truck, the latest vehicle they intend to add to their electric lineup.
Late last week, Volvo released several photos of the Volvo VNR and announced that the propulsion and energy storage technology to be used in the upcoming electric truck will be based off of the technology of their existing truck programs.
Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, commented on the upcoming vehicle, stating:
“We are proud to announce the Volvo VNR Electric, designed to support cities focused on sustainable urban development and fleets operating in a range of regional-haul and distribution operations. The Volvo VNR Electric leverages the versatility of the new Volvo VNR series with a proven fully-electric powertrain, and represents a strategic stride toward a comprehensive electrified transport ecosystem. Cities prioritizing sustainable urban development can leverage electrified transport solutions to help improve air quality and reduce traffic noise. Cleaner, quieter, fully-electric commercial transport also creates opportunities for expanded morning and late-night operations, helping cut traffic congestion during peak hours.”
Johan Agebrand, Volvo Trucks North America Director of Product Marketing, added:
“The Volvo VNR is ideal for applications like heavy urban distribution, drayage and other regional applications where electric trucks will first have the greatest impact. The VNR series has received tremendous industry acceptance since its April 2017 introduction and the addition of an all-electric powertrain provides even greater opportunities to expand its footprint in the regional-haul market.”
The Volvo VNR electric truck is currently being developed as part of an innovative partnership, known as LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) between the Volvo Group and California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
Voorhoeve addressed the recent partnership, stating:
“The LIGHTS project is a truly unique opportunity to showcase a holistic approach to electrification of the freight transport industry as we handle ongoing challenges including electricity generation and battery optimization. We appreciate that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the SCAQMD have recognized our leadership and trusted us to oversee this project that will ultimately result in the commercialization of fully-electric heavy-duty trucks. In addition to introducing the VNR Electric, through LIGHTS we will bring a complete sustainable freight solution with end-to-end electrification coordination with our many partners.”
According to reports, CARB has awarded $44.8 million to SCAQMD for the Volvo LIGHTS project and as far as we know, the Volvo LIGHTS project will involve a total of 16 partners.
Following the test program next year, Volvo predicts that the VNR electric semi truck will go on sale in North America in 2020.
Source: Business Wire
