22 | LAUNCH PAD I
On board Volvo Trucks’ Electric & Silent FL BEV
With calls for urgent changes to the way we live, pressure is being felt by all businesses to adopt more sustainable modes of delivering the products and services needed. While this may be easier for providers of urban services such as local authorities, how viable is it for the commercial transport operator? Fleet Transport took to the road with Volvo Trucks and the newly developed, fully electric battery powered FL model to see what is possible, and how practical the truck would be to Irish operators.
FLEETTRANSPORT | DEC-JAN 2022
It would appear that overnight manufacturers have created battery versions of their trucks for operators to invest in. However, this is far from the case, and in truth manufacturers like Volvo Trucks have been investing in alternative powertrains for decades. What we are seeing now is the result of that investment, in Volvo’s case, the FM, FE and FL Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). The FL BEV is obviously based on the standard Volvo Trucks FL model, which is not a bad place to start. Those familiar with FL will be aware that the model is designed to deliver to the city and urban environment. The unit comes with the ease of egress and access necessary for the driver who may have to alight from the truck numerous times a day. Once inside it’s clear the cab
is designed to ensure the truck is simple to operate, thereby easing the driver’s job when working in what can be a high risk environment. To this end visibility is excellent with a dropped window line all
round and well placed mirrors. Visibility is further enhanced by the vision panel in the nearside door. With drive mode engaged and the parking brake released the 16-tonne GVW truck, with its 200kW electric motor and up to 300kWh battery pack, moves off smoothly and with impressive acceleration. On gathering speed there is a positive feel from the FL’s low slung stance which helps to integrate the truck into its operational streetscape as opposed to a higher mounted truck that can feel somewhat detached from the potential hazards, therefore
