Volvo Trucks has also confirmed that the new electric truck can achieve a maximum gross combination weight of 48 tonnes (where permitted) and\u2014this is new\u2014offers a payload of up to 28 tonnes. This figure likely refers to the payload before accounting for a standard trailer, whose tare weight typically ranges from 6 to 7.5 tonnes. In practice, this means goods weighing around 21 to 22 tonnes can be transported. Additionally, the company emphasises that the ‘electric power take-off for refrigerated units [eliminates] the need for a separate diesel generator.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, Volvo Trucks has largely omitted details about the batteries in its latest announcement. Whether any changes have been made to the batteries themselves, beyond the aspects mentioned by the company spokesperson, to explain the increased range thus remains unclear \u2013 but appears unlikely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In earlier statements, the company mentioned a gross capacity of 780 kWh, distributed across eight battery packs. The sister model from Renault Trucks features the same energy content, with 780 kWh gross and 624 kWh net. The Renault flagship is equipped with eight packs containing NCA cells (nickel-cobalt-aluminium chemistry) from Samsung SDI. The new Volvo will also feature eight battery packs on board but, as confirmed by the spokesperson, will extract a higher usable share from the gross capacity. The exact figure has not yet been disclosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What can already be said is that while the French manufacturer specifies charging times of around 40 minutes for MCS charging at up to 720 kW and one hour and ten minutes for CCS charging (both from 20 to 80 per cent state of charge), Volvo Trucks provides slightly different figures. For MCS charging at 700 kW, the company cites approximately 50 minutes for the same charging window. For CCS charging at 350 kW, the stated time is one hour and 25 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On paper, the upcoming FH Aero Electric therefore charges more slowly than its sister model, but offers a greater range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, remained rather vague in his statement: \u201cThis long-haul electric truck is the best in the industry. It offers an outstanding range in combination with high payload, fast charging and great riding comfort. With this truck, our customers can drive the really long distances and throughout an entire working day with the same productivity as diesel trucks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n