The silent revolution: Volvo challenges diesel with an electric truck boasting 700 km of range

Europe is witnessing a paradigm shift in heavy transport. Volvo Trucks, firm in its commitment to electrification, has just unveiled its new generation of zero-emission trucks, led by the Volvo FH Aero Electric. With a record range of 700 kilometres per charge, this 48-tonne gross weight giant demonstrates that technology is advancing enough to take on diesel on long-haul routes, a territory previously forbidden for electric vehicles.

The secret of this technological feat lies in its innovative compact electric axle. By integrating two motors and a six-speed gearbox directly onto the rear axle, Volvo engineers have freed up chassis space to accommodate more batteries. The result is 460 kW (623 hp) of power and a payload of up to 28 tonnes, all with zero tailpipe emissions, making this truck an indispensable tool for fleets operating under Europe’s stringent environmental regulations.

But range isn’t everything if charging doesn’t keep up. Here, the FH Aero Electric also marks a before and after: compatible with the megawatt charging standard (MCS), it can charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 50 minutes. This speed, combined with mandatory driver rest times in the European Union, allows for full-day route planning without harming productivity. Even with the 350 kW CCS system, charging is completed in 85 minutes — a perfectly manageable pause on intercity routes, according to the Spanish digital site Híbridos y Eléctricos.

Volvo’s commitment is not limited to long distances. The Swedish firm has also updated its FH, FM and FMX models for more diverse applications: from construction and regional distribution to urban logistics. With power outputs reaching 540 kW (731 hp) and configurations for up to 65 tonnes gross weight, these vehicles incorporate a dual-motor, eight-speed driveline, achieving ranges of up to 470 kilometres and 20% to 80% charging in 65 minutes. Their electric power take-off also allows refrigerated equipment to run without the need for auxiliary diesel generators, the publication notes.

“They offer great driver comfort and zero tailpipe emissions transport, available for a wide range of tasks,” declared Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks. On a continent where lower emissions and greater logistics efficiency are increasingly demanded, these trucks are emerging as the definitive solution. With 700 km of range and express recharging, the dream of diesel-free heavy transport is no longer the future: it is a reality now rolling along European roads.