Volvo Trucks has announced plans to sell an all-electric truck called the Volvo VNR Electric in North America by 2020.

Volvo had already announced that they would begin testing all-electric trucks in regional haul fleets in California beginning in 2019 before selling an electric truck model 2020 but was light on the specifics. Now we know that the VNR Electric will be based on the fully-electric powertrain technology currently being used in the Volvo FE Electric, which Volvo Trucks presented in May and will begin selling in Europe in 2019.

The company expects the VNR Electric to suitable for heavy urban distribution, drayage and other regional applications.

“The Volvo VNR Electric leverages the versatility of the new Volvo VNR series with a proven fully-electric powertrain, and represents a strategic stride toward a comprehensive electrified transport ecosystem,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Cities prioritizing sustainable urban development can leverage electrified transport solutions to help improve air quality and reduce traffic noise. Cleaner, quieter, fully-electric commercial transport also creates opportunities for expanded morning and late-night operations, helping cut traffic congestion during peak hours.” 

The Volvo VNR Electric came out of the Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions partnership between Volvo Group and California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District as well as transportation and electrical charging infrastructure members. The California Air Resources Board allotted $44.8 million for the Volvo LIGHTS project, which is part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California.