Volvo has worked hard to become a leader in the electric truck space – and is expected to showcase its range of EVs in Brisbane in 2023
With five electric models on the market (two currently available here in Australia), the Swedes have positioned themselves at the forefront of EV technology.
Just recently, Volvo Group Australia President Martin Merrick announced the group’s intentions to build battery-electric vehicles at its Brisbane facility by 2025.
The current models available in Australia include the Volvo FE Electric, a 300hp (225kW) rigid, that runs a dual-motor driveline with a two-speed gearbox with three to four batteries; and the FL Electric, a medium-duty truck designed for city rigid work that’s powered by a single electric motor with a two-speed gearbox.
The range for the FE is up to 200km and its gross combination weight pushes up to 26 tonnes and comes in 4×2 or 6×2 axle configurations.
The FL claims a 300km range and pushes out 174hp (130kw) from its single electric motor. The FL also boasts GCW of up to 16 tonnes and has four battery packs at 265kWh.
This is the same truck that Linfox recently put through its paces delivering beer in Melbourne. In total, the FL clocked over 6,000km and more than 5,200-kilowatt hours of work.
Charging time takes 11 hours with Alternating Current (AC) and two hours with Direct Current (DC) charging.
Environmental sustainability has always been front of mind for the Volvo Group, so it’s no surprise to see it ready for the next phase of truck propulsion.
However, VGA’s E-Mobility Solutions Manager Tim Camilleri says the internal combustion engine will live on for some time, especially in Australia.
“Hydrogen fuel cell is still a way off and will require a refueling network to be built, while battery electric will undoubtedly cater for our urban transport applications,” he says.
“Off the beaten track and on interstate highways, we’ll still see the internal combustion engine living on for some time, though the fuel they run on will most likely change along the way.”
Location: Stand 49, Hall 3
Related Article: Electric trucks poised to light up 2023 Brisbane Show
