Volvo Trucks reports progress in electric-truck adoption in both Europe and North America, including a record order in Europe and the opening of a new electromobility showcase in America.

The order for 100 FM Electric trucks is the largest commercial order to date for Volvo electric trucks and one of the largest ever for heavy electric trucks worldwide. The order came from DFDS, Northern Europe's largest shipping and logistics company.

First deliveries of the Volvo FM Electric to DFDS will start in the fourth quarter of 2022 and continue throughout 2023. The trucks will be used for both short- and long-haul transport in the DFDS logistics system in Europe.  

"At DFDS, we're determined to play our part in reducing CO₂ emissions and creating a sustainable supply chain,” said Niklas Andersson, head of the logistics division at DFDS. “We know how important electrification is in the journey to reach our CO₂ targets, and I hope we can inspire others as we move forward in this vital transition.”

The FM Electric can carry a weight of 44 tons (gross combination weight) and has a range of up to 300 km.  The vehicles can be charged both via overnight depot charging (each truck comes with an AC charger) and via high-power charging on route (DC charging). DFDS has chosen a financing solution provided by Volvo Financial Services.  

“This is a major milestone in our commitment to fossil-free transportation, and I am very proud of the partnership we have with DFDS,” said Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks, in a news release. “Together we are showing the world that electrified heavy truck transport is a viable solution already today. I believe this will encourage many more customers to confidently take the first step in their own electrification journey.”

Increasing Electric-Truck Adoption

Volvo noted that the electrification trend in the heavy truck market is accelerating. 

In Europe, a few hundred trucks above 16 tons have been registered so far this year. Of these, approximately 40% are Volvo electric trucks. 

Volvo’s target for 2030 is that half of its global truck deliveries will be electric. “We are pleased to see that growing interest among our customers is starting to be reflected in firm orders, not least by this impressive order from DFDS,” Alm said. 

Volvo Trucks started serial production of electric trucks in 2019, one of the first truck brands to do so. The product range now includes six electric truck models – the Volvo FH, Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FE, Volvo FL — and in North America, the Volvo VNR Electric.

VNR Electric

Volvo Trucks North America made several announcements of U.S. fleet adoptions during the recent Alternative Clean Transportation Expo, although perhaps none quite as impressive as DFDS' 100 trucks.

• NFI, as part of a project to deploy 100 electric trucks in California, will be taking delivery of 30 Volvo VNR Electrics

• Performance Team, A Maersk Company, a warehousing and distribution company, placed an order for 16 Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The acquisition is part of Maersk’s Environment Social Governance (ESG) strategy to decarbonize logistics. The El Segundo, California-based company operates a North America warehousing and distribution network of 45 locations and a fleet of 215 trucks.

• Dependable Highway Express (DHE), SunPower Corp. and Kuehne+Nagel announced a sustainable freight initiative to transport solar photovoltaics products using solar-powered Volvo VNR Electric trucks. The trucks will run warehouse distribution routes for SunPower from its facility in Ontario, California, where they are recharged daily by 100% renewable electricity generated by on-site solar panels. 

• And, VTNA announced that by the end of the year, it use the Volvo VNR Electric on local logistics routes servicing the company’s New River Valley truck assembly operations in Dublin, Virginia. Working with local suppliers and carriers, Volvo Trucks will deploy three VNR Electric trucks to transport inbound parts and components daily to the plant.

Electromobility Showcase

Volvo Trucks North America recently celebrated the opening of its new electromobility showcase at its Customer Experience Center in Dublin, Virginia. The facility offers customers the opportunity to test drive the Volvo VNR Electric model around a 1.1-mile closed track. The 36,000 square-foot facility features new Volvo VNR Electric component displays, training, and fully operational charging infrastructure.

Volvo Trucks’ team of onsite specialists will be able to answer questions related to: 

• Volvo VNR Electric vehicle specifications, including range

• Special financing and insurance solutions

• The Volvo Gold Contract service and support offering with the Volvo VNR Electric

• Infrastructure best practices, including installation partners, hardware and software options, and anticipated project timelines. 

The Volvo Trucks Customer Experience Center is located next to Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley manufacturing plant where the Volvo VNR Electric is assembled.