Volvo Debuts its First Only-Electric Truck Chassis

Volvo has been on something of a roll in this new year. The OEM has already launched its new VNL Class 8 conventional tractor in North America. That debut was closely followed by the unveiling of its new global truck platform. Now, Volvo is pulling the curtain back on its new FM Low Entry cabover model, which is the OEM’s first-ever truck offered exclusively with a battery-electric powertrain.

The development of the FM Low Entry was driven by more cities lowering emissions levels to improve quality of life for residents, Volvo said. As a result, demand is rapidly rising for zero-exhaust emission trucks that can meet these new customer requirements. The Volvo FM Low Entry is a direct response to those trends, according to the OEM.

The new FM Low Entry will initially be sold in Europe, including Turkey, as well as South Korea.

A Focus on Urban Trucking Applications

Volvo Trucks said the FM Low Entry is a heavy-duty truck specifically developed to handle a wide variety of transport assignments in city areas.

“This zero-emission truck is a great addition to our electric range, perfectly suited for city transports and designed with the driver in mind. It’s powerful, yet smooth to drive and easy to maneuver," said Roger Alm, president, Volvo Trucks. "The new Volvo FM Low Entry is perfectly in line with our ambitions to expand our electric offer, enabling even more customers to reduce their carbon emissions."

Volvo designed the new truck with a low driving position, which it said offers the driver excellent visibility and control of the surroundings. Thanks to this design feature, the FM Low Entry has earned it a five-star rating in the Direct Vision standard that rates heavy vehicles operating in London and comes into effect in the fourth quarter of 2024, Volvo said.

The Volvo FM Low Entry is a versatile design that can be adapted to meet specific requirements of various transportation tasks, such as waste management, distribution and construction.

The truck is based on Volvo’s FM model. The spacious cab has been lowered and moved forward, and the low instep and flat floor makes it easy to enter and exit the truck. These design features create an ergonomic, comfortable and efficient working environment for drivers in busy city locations.

With this new all-electric city truck, Volvo now has a total of eight electric truck models in its range. In 2019 Volvo said it became the first global manufacturer to start series production of heavy electric trucks, and the company is aiming for 50% of global sales of new Volvo trucks to be electric in 2030.

Key Volvo FM Low Entry features:

• Out-of-cab visibility (with standard specification) fulfills the Transport for London 5-star Direct Vision Standard.
• Volvo Dynamic Steering system for steering assistance and reduced vibrations.
• Three seat options are available: Driver + 0, 1 or 3 passengers. With three passenger seats placed at the back of the cab, they are out of the driver's view, minimizing blind spots.
• Ergonomic features include a low instep, flat floor, and well-positioned grab handles.
• Volvo’s new advanced Camera Monitor System (optional).
• Two heights (standing): Sleeper cab (1575 mm) and Extended/High sleeper (1945 mm).
•  Axle configurations available: 4X2, 6X2, 6X4, 8X2, 8X4
• GVW: 19-32 tonnes
• Motor: 330 kW
• Battery: 360 kWh (4 batteries)
• Range: up to 200 km (range depends on several parameters such as load weight, driving style, driving cycle, topography, temperature, etc.)
• Charging: 250 kW (DC), 43 kW (AC)
• Wheelbase: 3900-6000 mm