700 km range: Volvo begins production of its new electric truck
In Tuve, Sweden, Volvo Trucks has begun mass production of the FH Aero Electric, its electric truck that promises a range of up to 700 kilometers. At the IAA Transportation exhibition in Hanover, the Swedish manufacturer also unveiled a new electric vehicle capable of carrying 80 tons.
Electric road transport is gradually expanding its scope. To convince more freight operators, manufacturers need to be able to cover longer distances while also meeting the demands of heavy loading requirements. Volvo Trucks is addressing both challenges with separate vehicles: its new long-haul tractor and a version designed for (very) heavy loads.
A 725 kWh battery to achieve 700 km range
Introduced in June, the new Volvo FH Aero Electric is now being produced at the Tuve plant near Gothenburg. Its main advantage is its range, which can reach 700 km on a single charge. Even the Tesla Semi (for the version sold in Europe) does not match this performance. To achieve such a long range, Volvo has installed eight battery packs for a total of 725 kWh of usable capacity.
This enormous capacity, unmatched in Europe, should enable the Swedish company to attract new customers by proving it is possible to extend driving distances without intermediate charging. It should be noted that the 700 km figure is a maximum value stated by the manufacturer, not a guaranteed distance for every trip. Additionally, the truck features a new electric axle.
This production launch marks an important industrial milestone for Volvo: the model moves from the presentation stage to the assembly lines. The manufacturer is also developing its FH Electric, FM Electric, and FMX Electric models to serve more applications (such as concrete mixers or waste collection systems).
A new 80-tonne electric unit
The other novelty showcased in Hanover is this FH Electric in tractor-trailer configuration, with a rolling capacity of 80 tonnes (this figure refers to the fully loaded unit, not just the cargo being transported). The manufacturer claims a range of 450 kilometers for a load of 64 tonnes, and 420 kilometers for 74/76-tonne units. It does not provide a range figure for the 80-tonne configuration, but it is likely around 400 kilometers.
The commercial release of this vehicle will begin gradually starting in early 2027, with an initial launch planned in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. France is not included in this initial list. With this new model, Volvo further expands the range of its electric trucks. From urban distribution to long-distance hauling, as well as construction and heavy transport, the manufacturer aims to meet the diverse needs of freight operators.