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Volvo’s Sustainability Summit presented the FE Electric (left) and FH Electric models.
The Kenworth T680 hydrogen fuel cell truck on show in Brisbane will remain in Australia for a research project with Deakin University.
By Colin Smith
Volvo charges into the future WHILE MOST BRANDS HAD AN ELECTRIC STORY TO TELL AT the Brisbane Truck Show, it’s Volvo that has the most advanced plans for electric trucking in Australia. Alongside the largest range of electric models (six globally) and firm targets for EV sales and emissions reductions, Volvo has also confirmed its intention and timeframe for building both FM Electric and FH Electric models at its Wacol plant in Queensland. The day before the truck show opened in Brisbane, Volvo Group Australia invited the media to the introduction of the FH Electric and hear details of the EV strategy. The following day an FM Electric was unveiled on the show stand and Volvo says its five-strong FE, FL, FMX, FM, and FH Electric model range is available to order in Australia. The bonneted FNR Electric remains dedicated to North America. Possibly the biggest signal of Volvo’s intentions was the attendance of Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm at the Brisbane show. Speaking at Volvo’s pre-show Sustainability Summit, Alm outlined the change ahead for the transport industry; “is actually the biggest transformation since we gave up horses and wagons over a hundred years ago.” Alm says Volvo is leading the development of production of electric trucks and will also pursuing other energy technologies, including hydrogen. “Volvo Trucks is the first mover into this transformation because we decided very early that electrification was the best way to reach zero transport [emissions] for our customers,” says Alm. “In 2019 we started series production of our first electrical trucks for city distribution and refuse handling. In September last year we started production of our heavy-duty electrical trucks. We are still the only global truck manufacturer with serial production of heavy duty electrical trucks. “Today we have six electric trucks in serial production covering the majority of the customer needs. Everything from city distribution to regional haul and construction transport. This is by far the widest offering in the industry of electrical trucks.” Alm says that in the first quarter of 2023, Volvo enjoyed close to 50% market share of electric truck sales in both Europe and North America. “The numbers compared to diesel are still small. But it is growing
at a fast speed. So far, we have sold more than 5000 trucks into 40 countries.” Alm outlined Volvo’s targets for emissions reductions. “By 2030 our ambition is that 50% of the global volume we will sell will be battery electric or fuel cell electric. And by 2040 all trucks we sell will be net-zero emission trucks. The entire running production of trucks we have will be net-zero by 2050. “This is a very ambitious target. We are very determined to continue to lead the transformation and are investing more than ever to lead the transformation.” Hydrogen technologies as well as net-zero biofuels and similar will also play a role in Volvo’s strategy. “We are talking about different technological solutions, but we strongly believe that battery electric trucks will in the huge majority Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm, with Martin Merrick, President of Volvo Group Australia.
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