Electric: expanding the range of battery-powered trucking
The biggest attraction of the event was the new Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range. Designed specifically for long-distance operations, the truck features a newly developed E-axle system that integrates two electric motors and a six-speed PowerShift gearbox into the rear axle. This packaging solution frees up space within the chassis, allowing Volvo to install eight battery packs with a combined capacity of 780 kWh.
Volvo’s e-Axle.
The result is a claimed driving range of up to 700 km on a single charge, making it one of the most capable long-range electric trucks announced so far.The electric drivetrain produces up to 623 hp, while the gross combined weight reaches 48 tonnes. Payload capacity can go up to 28 tonnes depending on configuration.Talking about charging capabilities, the truck supports the new MegaWatt Charging System (MCS) standard with charging speeds of up to 700 kW. Volvo says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 50 minutes. It also supports 350kW CCS fast charging, which requires around 85 minutes for the same charging window.
Along with the FH Aero Electric, Volvo also introduced the updated FH, FM and FMX electric trucks. These models target regional distribution, manufacturing, urban logistics, waste management and utility operations.The new generation trucks use a dual-motor setup with an eight-speed PowerShift gearbox and deliver power up to 731 hp. The battery capacity reaches 540 kWh, providing a range of up to 470 km on a single charge. A notable addition is the integrated power take-off system, which allows body-mounted equipment such as mixers, compactors and hook-lift systems to operate while the truck is moving, improving productivity in commercial operations.
diesel: cleaner combustion remains important
While electric trucks are gaining momentum, Volvo believes diesel powertrains will continue to play an important role in many markets during the transition period.To support this, the company unveiled an all-new 13-litre diesel engine platform known as D13.
The new engine produces between 380 hp and 560 hp, with a torque output ranging from 1,800 Nm to 2,900 Nm. Volvo claims that fuel consumption can be reduced by up to four percent compared to the previous D13 eSCR engine.Interestingly, this engine is compatible with conventional diesel, biodiesel (B100) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The D13 will be available in Volvo’s FM, FMX, FH and FH Aero ranges.
Gas: A renewable-fuel solution available today
Volvo also showcased the G13 gas-powered engine, which shares its architecture with the new D13 diesel engine. Designed to run on LNG and bio-LNG fuel, the G13 produces between 420 hp and 500 hp, while torque ranges from 2,400 Nm to 2,800 Nm.
One of the key benefits of gas-powered trucks is their ability to significantly reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions when operated on renewable bio-LNG. Like the D13, it will be offered in the FM, FMX, FH and FH Aero product lines.Perhaps more importantly, this platform has been developed with future hydrogen combustion applications in mind. Volvo has already begun testing hydrogen-powered combustion engines on public roads and plans to bring the technology to market before the end of the decade.
driving experience
After the presentations and walkaround, it was time for the most exciting part of the day. We drove these trucks, testing them both on the test track and on public roads.
Both trucks we drove were electric but the highlight was the FH Aero Electric. This six-axle monster was intimidating to look at from the outside, but once behind the driver’s seat, things became surprisingly easy. The adaptive GPS system along with the brilliant camera display showing every angle of the road around the vehicle has made driving this massive vehicle very easy.
Having driven diesel trucks and buses before, the biggest surprise for me was how easily the truck got off the line due to the electric torque available at almost zero rpm. Despite carrying a full load, the truck achieved highway speeds with ease. When traversing inclined surfaces in hills, the GPS will detect the upcoming climb and automatically increase speed and as soon as it senses a slope, reduce power to save energy. Although our drive was limited in time and distance, one thing was clear: electric trucks are very useful for certain applications. Better than ICE in some special cases!
way forward
What Volvo showed us in Gothenburg wasn’t just a collection of new trucks and engines. It was a statement about how the company sees the future of commercial transportation.Rather than favor a single technology, Volvo is pursuing a multi-powertrain strategy that combines battery-electric vehicles, renewable-fuel combustion engines and future hydrogen solutions.
For markets like India, where charging infrastructure is still developing and freight requirements vary widely, such flexibility could prove particularly important. Taking all things into consideration, it is safe to say that business mobility is likely to be shaped by multiple technologies working together rather than replacing all others.
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