The very first Volvo on Demand customer in the U.S., R&M Trucking has started their subscription with a Volvo VNR Electric truck. 

The electric truck will be carrying out local and regional deliveries at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.

Volvo on Demand is a "highly flexible", Truck-as-a-Service subscription initiative, the OEM said. The service designed to drive the adoption of zero-tailpipe emission technology by removing large upfront capital investments.

Trucks-as-a-Service

Volvo on Demand is an “innovative and highly customizable” Truck-as-a-Service initiative from Volvo Trucks North America and Volvo Financial Services (VFS), the OEM said.

The service is designed to simplify the acquisition process for battery-electric trucks, reducing the upfront investment required and offering qualified customers flexible term options as short as 12 months.

The program includes Volvo Trucks’ Gold Contract, with the option to bundle, route planning and optimization guidance, as well as consultations to identify the best charging solutions. 

A competitive mileage rate throughout the contract term provides flexibility, with a single monthly invoice encompassing all selected services. 

“Volvo on Demand is designed to remove barriers to adopting battery-electric trucks by offering a flexible, all-inclusive service model,” said Logan Andrew, eMobility territory finance manager East, Volvo Financial Services. “This deployment helps R&M Trucking integrate electric trucks into its fleet in a way that makes business sense—minimizing upfront capital investment while providing predictable operational costs.” 

Electric Urban Deliveries

R&M Trucking operates a fleet of 300 trucks, ranging from Class 6 to Class 8. These trucks make daily runs of 70-100 miles from the airport to surrounding Chicago suburbs. 

Volvo said the VNR Electric truck is well-suited for urban deliveries because its near-silent operation and zero-tailpipe emissions are ideal for deliveries in residential areas and busy city streets.

Despite initial concerns about Chicago’s cold weather, the Volvo VNR Electric has proven successful in several Canadian fleets, demonstrating strong performance in extreme temperatures, the OEM added.

According to Volvo, the truck’s advanced battery thermal management system promotes optimal performance in cold weather, while its ability to run the cab’s HVAC system without idling keeps drivers comfortable during rest periods. 

This feature enhances driver well-being, reinforcing Volvo Trucks’ commitment to both environmental sustainability and driver comfort. 

Volvo said the VNR Electric also delivers uninterrupted torque, smooth acceleration, and significantly reduced vibration and noise, resulting in a more comfortable and relaxing driving experience. 

R&M Trucking will operate a 6x4 tractor with a six-battery configuration, offering a range of up to 275 miles and the ability to achieve an 80 percent charge in about 90 minutes. 

The company is also installing infrastructure at its warehouse to support overnight charging for the Volvo VNR Electric. 

Customer Demand 

R&M Trucking has customers who want deliveries made with battery-electric trucks to meet supply chain sustainability goals. To that end, the fleet has worked closely with VFS and their local Volvo dealership M&K Truck Centers in Des Plaines, Illinois to make fact-based decisions about the business impact of purchasing and operating battery-electric trucks.

R&M Trucking determined that Volvo on Demand was the most economical way for it to operate a battery-electric Class 8 tractor. 

“Sustainability is a priority for R&M Trucking, with many customers seeking logistics partners that can help reduce their carbon footprint. The Volvo VNR Electric gives us the ability to provide zero-tailpipe emission deliveries while maintaining the reliability and performance our customers expect,” said Mike Narvaez, director of safety, R&M Trucking. “Volvo on Demand made it easy to get started with battery-electric trucks, ensuring we have the support and flexibility needed to determine the next step of our electromobility transition.” 

Volvo on Demand launched in the U.S. in areas where nearby Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) dealerships offer comprehensive support, including preventative maintenance, service, and charging facilities to maximize customer uptime. 

M&K Truck Centers, a Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer, will support R&M Trucking in maximizing uptime for its Volvo VNR Electric truck and evaluating opportunities to electrify additional routes.