Recent reports have indicated that Volvo, a prominent commercial truck manufacturer, will begin to sell an all-electric version of their popular shipment truck as early as next year.
The new truck, known as the Volvo VNR Electric, is expected to cover 150 miles of range on a single charge, all while producing a whopping 4,000 lb-ft of torque.
Production of this electric truck is scheduled for early 2021 and will be manufactured in two primary categories.
One of them is a single-axle straight truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,200 pounds that is likely to be intended for regional deliveries, such as a beer-hauler.
The other is an 18-wheeler tractor truck in a 4x2/66,000-pound gross combination weight rating (GCWR) and a 6x2 with up to 82,000 GCWR.
Volvo has stated that these trucks will be powered by 264-kWh lithium-ion batteries that are expected to have an operating range of up to 150 miles based on the truck’s configuration. This seems to suggest that these trucks will target short-haul routes.
The design and layout of these trucks are being adapted from Volvo’s existing diesel machines, with side-mounted fuel tanks being replaced with large battery boxes.
In a recent statement, Volvo explained, “The industry-leading safety criteria and features found in the Volvo VNR model are retained in the Volvo VNR Electric model including the highest safety standards in the construction of the cab and chassis. The construction of the battery support carrier system was also designed with these same safety standards in mind.”
“The VNR Electric features the same best-in-class active safety systems as the VNR model. In addition, the specifically designed location of the batteries on the side of the vehicle as well as the air compressor under the driver door also enhance serviceability.”
With the ability to charge up to 80 percent capacity in just 70 minutes and a drivetrain that makes 455-horsepower, the upcoming Volvo VNR is sure to change the game when it comes to commercial fleet vehicles.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Volvo also claims that up to 15 percent of lost battery power can be automatically reclaimed via regenerative braking.
Volvo is always innovating, and nowhere is that more evident than underneath the hood of the many incredible vehicles they make each and every day.
Click here to check out the available inventory of cutting-edge Volvo models at Scott Volvo Cars of Allentown, then be sure to contact us online, by phone, or in-person today to schedule a test drive.
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