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Volvo Trucks takes on electric vehicle challenge

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Jan 24, 2018  - The electric vehicle race shows no signs of slowing, with Swedish truck manufacturer, Volvo Trucks, announcing it will start selling electric trucks as early as 2019.  According to Volvo Trucks, the first units will be medium-duty vehicles that will be placed into fleets in European urban environments.

"We believe in full electrification for urban distribution as a first step. However we are working with electrification for other transport applications. This is only the beginning," said Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.

“Electromobility is fully in line with Volvo Trucks long term commitment for sustainable urban development and zero emissions. By using electrically powered and quieter trucks for goods transport in urban areas, we meet several challenges simultaneously. Without disturbing noise and exhaust gases, it will be possible to operate in more sensitive city centres.

"Transport may also take place throughout less busy periods, for example in late evening and at night. This will reduce the burden on the roads during daytime rush-hour traffic, allowing both the road network and vehicles to be utilised far more effectively than today."

"Our technology and knowhow within electromobility are based on proven commercial solutions already in use on Volvo's electric buses, and solutions that were introduced in Volvo's hybrid trucks as far back as 2010," said Jonas Odermalm, Head of product strategy medium duty vehicles at Volvo Trucks.

"The vehicles themselves are only one part of what is needed for large-scale electrification to succeed. Enabling long term sustainable transport is a complex issue that requires a holistic and wide range of measures. We are working closely with customers, cities, suppliers of charging infrastructure and other key stakeholders to create the necessary framework for electrical trucks..

Source:  PrimeMover  ||  January 24, 2018   |||