Electric: Pushing the boundaries of battery-powered freight
The highlight of the event was the new Volvo FH Aero Electric with Extended Range. Designed especially for long-distance operations, the truck has a newly developed electronic axle system that connects two electric motors to the rear axle and a six-speed power transmission gearbox. This packaging solution frees up space within the chassis and allows Volvo to install eight battery packs with a total capacity of 780 kWh.
Volvo’s e-axle.
The result is a claimed driving range of up to 700km on a single charge, making it one of the most capable long-distance electric trucks ever announced.The electric transmission reaches 623 horsepower, and the total weight of the combination reaches 48 tons. The load capacity can be up to 28 tons depending on the configuration.Speaking of charging capabilities, the truck supports the new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard with charging speeds of up to 700 kW. Volvo says the battery can be charged between 20 and 80 percent in about 50 minutes. It also supports 350kW CCS fast charging, which takes around 85 minutes for the same charging window.
In addition to the FH Aero Electric, Volvo also introduced the updated FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks. These models target regional distribution, construction, urban logistics, waste management and utility operations.The new-generation trucks use a twin-motor setup mated to an eight-speed powershift gearbox and deliver up to 731 horsepower. The battery has a capacity of 540 kWh and provides a range of up to 470 km on a single charge. A notable addition is an integrated power take-off system that allows body-mounted equipment such as mixers, compactors and hook lift systems to run while the truck is moving, increasing productivity in commercial operations.
Diesel: Cleanser combustion remains important
While electric trucks are gaining momentum, Volvo believes that diesel powertrains will continue to play a crucial role in many markets during the transition period.To support this, the company introduced an all-new 13-litre diesel engine platform known as the D13.
The new engine produces between 380 hp and 560 hp, with torque between 1,800 Nm and 2,900 Nm. Volvo claims that fuel consumption can be reduced by up to four percent compared to the previous D13 eSCR engine.Interestingly, this engine is compatible with regular diesel, biodiesel (B100) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The D13 will be available in Volvo’s FM, FMX, FH and FH Aero ranges.
Gas: Today’s renewable fuel solution
Volvo also revealed the gas-powered G13 engine, which shares its architecture with the new D13 diesel engine. Designed to run on LNG and bio-LNG fuels, the G13 produces between 420 hp and 500 hp, with torque ranging from 2,400 Nm to 2,800 Nm.
One of the main advantages of gas-powered trucks is their ability to significantly reduce CO2 emissions when running on renewable bio-LNG. Like the D13, it will be offered in the FM, FMX, FH and FH Aero product lines.Perhaps more importantly, the platform was designed with future hydrogen combustion applications in mind. Volvo has already begun testing hydrogen-powered combustion engines on public roads and plans to bring the technology to market by the end of this decade.
Driving experience
After the presentations and walks, it came to the most exciting part of the day. We got behind the wheel of these trucks and tested them both on the test track and on some public roads.
Both trucks we drove were electric, but the highlight was the FH Aero Electric. This six-axle behemoth was intimidating to look at from the outside, but once behind the driver’s seat, things became surprisingly easy. From bright camera displays that show all sides of the road around the car, combined with the Adaptive GPS system, driving the big car has become a breeze.
Having driven diesel trucks and buses before, the biggest surprise for me was how easily the truck pulled off the line due to the electric torque available at almost zero rpm. Despite carrying a full load, the truck easily reached highway speeds. When traversing inclines on hills, the GPS will detect upcoming uphills and automatically accelerate, and once it senses a descent, power will be reduced to save energy. While our drive was limited in time and distance, one thing was clear: electric trucks make a lot of sense for certain applications. Better than ICE in some cases!
The road ahead
It wasn’t just a bunch of new trucks and engines that Volvo showed us in Gothenburg. It was a statement about how the company sees the future of commercial transportation.Rather than supporting a single technology, Volvo is pursuing a multifaceted powertrain strategy that combines battery electric vehicles, renewable fuel engines and future hydrogen solutions.
Such flexibility can be especially important for markets like India, where filling infrastructure is still developing and freight requirements vary widely. All things considered, it’s safe to say that commercial mobility will be shaped by multiple technologies working side by side, rather than one technology replacing all others.
