Archive, Product News

Volvo Group Australia unveils its first electric truck

FL Electric to begin metro trials with Linfox's beverage logistics arm BevChain

 

Volvo Trucks Australia has finally let the covers slip from a first for the brand in this country – the Volvo FL Electric.

As foreshadowed by Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox in Owner//Driver magazine and on its website some 18 months ago, his company is running the rule over the vehicle.

Fox said back then that two electrically-driven 12 tonne Volvo trucks would join the company for local delivery trials.

This first electric truck unit will be fitted with an eight-pallet body and tailgate lift and is destined for trials and evaluation with Linfox, undertaking metropolitan deliveries within its beverage logistics business, BevChain.

“It is very clear that both our customers, and our customer’s customers, are demanding a cleaner and quieter urban transport environment,” Volvo Trucks Australia (VTA) vice president Tony O’Connell says.

“Momentum is building globally to create safe and clean cities and the arrival of this truck in Australia marks the first step on that journey for Volvo Trucks Australia.

“The electrification of our urban supply chain not only affects the local air quality of our cities.

“It also has the potential to make our urban areas more liveable.

“Imagine a cityscape of clear horizons, devoid of the rumble and hum of the tradition internal combustion engine, and that’s got to be something worth striving for.”

Fox sees the introduction of electric vehicles opening “an exciting chapter for both Linfox and Volvo!”

“This will play a crucial role in Linfox’s business as they work towards a cleaner and more sustainable transport industry,” Fox says.

“Our investment in sustainable vehicles will significantly help reduce our emissions in the foreseeable future.

“Adopting a greener fleet is an ongoing part of our commitment to act sustainably, as we strive for zero net environmental emissions and play our part to mitigate climate change.

“As our nations’ freight demand grows, it is vital we meet that need safely, efficiently and with reduced environmental impact.

“Acting sustainably is just common sense. It is imperative to my family and our business that we preserve and protect our environment for the next generation.”

The 4×2 Volvo FL Electric is powered by 600 Volt, 200 kWh battery packs which power a 200kW/425Nm motor. Power drives its wheels via a 2-speed I-Shift automated transmission.

In late 2020, Volvo Trucks along with other European truck manufacturers announced its intention for all Volvo Trucks to be fossil fuel free by 2040.


Related story: Volvo gets green light for electric truck manufacturing in the US


It also announced that pre-sales for the European market of a complete range of electric heavy duty truck models would begin in 2021 with production to start in 2022.

“The road map to a fossil free future for Volvo Trucks also includes the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology for long haul applications to complement the more urban centric electric drivelines and the gradual phasing out of the traditional diesel engine,” O’Connell says.

“This is a very exciting time to be a part of Volvo Trucks Australia.

“The path to a cleaner, safer and ultimately more enjoyable cityscape is being paved as we speak.

“I look forward to seeing this truck plying the streets of an Australian capital city in the very near future.”

The Volvo FL Electric is expected to begin trials with Linfox/BevChain in April.

Linfox is a member of the Electric Vehicle Council, the national body representing the electric vehicle industry in Australia.

 

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend