In the second quarter of 2022, Volvo Trucks North America will begin production of an enhanced VNR Electric model, which features an up to 85% increased range, faster charging, and more configurations for heavy-duty transport.

The next generation Volvo VNR Electric features improvements in the battery technology, design, management, and package offering.

Improvements in battery design have resulted in an up to 40% increase in storage capacity for each battery, VNTA officials said in a press release. A dedicated battery thermal management system was added to manage and maintain ideal environmental temperatures, and the company also introduced a new six-battery package option. Combining all three improvements boasts an increased energy storage of up to 565 kWh and offers an operational range of up to 275 miles, VTNA officials said.

Regenerative braking energy is captured and fed back into the system to maximize energy efficiency and driving range.

The enhanced Volvo VNR Electric also reduces the required charging time, as the 250 kW charging capability provides an 80% charge in 90 minutes for the six-battery package and 60 minutes for the four-battery version. 

Volvo Trucks has added two new configurations to its VNR Electric lineup — a 6x4 straight truck and a 6x4 tractor — joining its three existing models: 4x2 tractor, 6x2 tractor, and single-axle straight truck.

Each Volvo VNR Electric configuration is designed for applications and drive cycles with local and regional distribution ranges, including food and beverage, drayage, and pick-up and delivery routes.

Over the past year, Volvo Trucks has delivered the Volvo VNR Electric to customers in several states across the U.S., collecting operating data to continually improve the technology to increase the efficiency of the truck under varying operating conditions, VNTA officials said.

The next generation Volvo VNR Electric is now open for order.

Volvo Trucks first began taking customer orders for its first Volvo VNR Electric model in December 2020, with commercial production starting in the second quarter of 2021 at the company’s New River Valley manufacturing plant in Dublin, Virginia.