trans.info — 2023-09-14
Automotive Industry
The manufacturer says that it now has its electric trucks being built in four factories – three in Europe and one in the US.
Volvo says that 3 different electric models will be built in Ghent – the Volvo FH, the Volvo FM and the Volvo FMX Electric. These trucks can operate at a total weight of 44 tonnes and can be adapted for a wide range of transport needs.
Commenting on the development, Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks, said:
“I’m thrilled! The Ghent factory is the largest one in our network, so this is a very important milestone. Now even more transport companies can go electric with Volvo. Our trucks are much loved for their outstanding quality, safety, design, and driver comfort. It makes me very pleased that our customers can get all these benefits and, at the same time, transport goods without emitting any CO2.”
According to Volvo Trucks, the Ghent factory is the company’s largest production site with a yearly capacity of around 45,000 trucks.
The company adds that its electric trucks are assembled on the same platform and line as the diesel and gas-powered trucks, in a production set-up that gives the factory a high flexibility when it comes to handling different variants and demands.
The battery packs also come from the recently opened battery assembly plant in Ghent, located right next to the production line.
Volvo Trucks boasts that it has taken orders, including letters of intent to buy, for around 6 000 electric trucks in 42 countries on six continents.
“Just a few years ago, many thought it was impossible to electrify heavy truck transport. But we decided early on that electrification is our main path to zero emissions. Now we can offer an industry-leading range of purpose-built electric trucks, in commercial operation all around the world,” added Alm. However, for the big electric shift to happen, governments need to act now and offer incentive programs for those who invest in the new technology, increase capacity in the power grid and also introduce CO2 taxes, to make sustainable transport more competitive.”