Volvo’s VNR Electric Truck Now On Sale In North America

In what it called a critical step toward realizing the organization’s vision for a more sustainable transportation industry, Volvo Trucks North America said its VNR Electric model is now commercially available in North America. Designed, developed, and produced in the U.S. specifically for the North American market, Volvo Trucks will manufacture the VNR Electric truck at its New River Valley assembly plant in Dublin, Va., beginning in early 2021.

“In launching the VNR Electric, we’re answering a very real need from fleet customers across North America — to not just deliver a road-tested, battery-electric truck, but to provide them with solutions for the entire life-cycle of the vehicle,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Before making the VNR Electric truck available to our customers, we thought through every aspect of electrification so they didn’t have to. We have worked alongside our fleet customers to plan beyond the vehicle and have developed an entire support system, ensuring this vehicle meets their needs day-in and day-out.”

Earlier this year, the Volvo VNR Electric truck was certified by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board enabling the vehicle to be commercially sold in all 50 states of the U.S. The vehicle is designed for customer applications and driving cycles with local and regional distribution ranges, including food and beverage and pick-up and delivery routes. The vehicle is available in three configurations:

– A single-axle straight truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,200 lb.

– A 4×2 tractor configuration with a 66,000-lb. gross combination weight rating (GCWR).

– A 6×2 tractor configuration with an up-to 82,000-lb. GCWR in specific applications.

All of the trucks incorporate a fully integrated, Volvo proprietary electric driveline rated 455 hp and generating up to 4051 lb. ft. of torque. Two electric motors are mated to a two-speed Volvo I-Shift transmission designed to provide smooth and efficient acceleration with excellent startability and low-speed maneuverability, Volvo said.

The 264 kWh lithium-ion batteries, which charge up to 80% within 70 minutes, provide an operating range of up to 150 miles based on the truck’s configuration. Regenerative braking can increase range by returning power up to 15% back into the battery, depending on the duty cycle, Volvo said.

The Volvo VNR Electric includes Volvo Trucks’ onboard telematics, including Remote Diagnostics and a new real-time battery monitoring service from the Volvo Trucks Uptime Center.

With the launch of the Volvo VNR Electric, Volvo Trucks North America is also providing customers with a range of operational solutions. A premier Volvo Gold Contract includes scheduled and preventative maintenance, towing and vehicle repair which includes the lithium-ion batteries and complete electromobility system. Volvo Financial Services (VFS) can provide flexible financing solutions specific to the Volvo VNR Electric and required charging infrastructure. VFS will also offer access to insurance solutions for the VNR Electric in select U.S markets via third-party licensed agents.

“For us, it is more than just the truck. The transition to electromobility requires a tight stakeholder collaboration,” said Voorhoeve. “We are committed to working closely with our customers and dealers, providing end-to-end consultative support, matching available incentives, understanding the required charging infrastructure and matching the right model and specifications to their operational needs. As we hit this landmark milestone, moving forward with our pioneering customers toward a shared vision of the future, Volvo Trucks is making electromobility accessible, efficient and operationally viable. The future is here and we are proud to bring this new and very real solution to the North American commercial trucking industry today.”