Volvo to introduce all-electric trucks in California next year

Swedish autogiant Volvo announced Wednesday that it will introduce all-electric Volvo VNR regional-haul trucks in California next year, operating in distribution, regional-haul and drayage operations. Sales of the VNR Electric in North America is expected to begin in 2020.

“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,” said Johan Agebrand, Volvo Trucks North America director of product marketing.

Volvo VNR Electric models would be introduced as part of a partnership—LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions)—between the Volvo Group and California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), along with other industry leaders in transportation and electrical charging infrastructure.

California Air Resources Board (CARB) has already awarded $44.8 million to SCAQMD for the Volvo LIGHTS project. The Volvo LIGHTS project will involve 16 partners.

“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,” stressed Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve at the launch.

The Volvo VNR Electric demonstration units will be based on the proven propulsion and energy storage technology currently being used in the Volvo FE Electric, and builds on the Volvo Group’s accumulated expertise in electrified transport solutions. Sister company Volvo Buses has sold more than 4,000 electrified buses since 2010.

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