Volvo’s big message from Sweden! The future of the CV is not one-size-fits-all

Electric: Expanding the limits of the battery-powered truck

The biggest highlight of the event was the new Volvo FH Aero Electric with Extended Range. Specifically designed for long-haul operations, the truck has a newly developed e-axle system that integrates two electric motors and a six-speed powershift gearbox into the rear axle. This packaging solution frees up space inside the chassis, allowing Volvo to install eight battery packs with a combined capacity of 780 kWh.

Volvo’s e-axle.

The result is a claimed driving range of up to 700 km on a single charge, making it one of the most capable long-distance electric trucks announced so far.The electric drivetrain produces up to 623 hp, while the gross combination weight reaches up to 48 tons. The payload capacity can reach 28 tons depending on the configuration.Talking about the charging capabilities, the truck supports the new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard with a charging speed of up to 700 kW. Volvo says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 50 minutes. It also supports 350 kW CCS fast charging, which requires about 85 minutes for the same charging window.

Along with the FH Aero Electric, Volvo also introduced the updated FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks. These models focus on regional distribution, construction, urban logistics, waste management and utility operations.The new generation trucks use a dual-motor setup mated to an eight-speed powershift gearbox and deliver 731 hp. The battery capacity reaches 540 kWh, which provides a range of up to 470 km in one charge. A notable addition is the integrated power take-off system, which allows body-mounted equipment such as mixers, compactors and hook-lift systems to operate while the truck is in motion, improving productivity in commercial operations.

Diesel: It’s cleaner combustion remains important

As electric trucks gain momentum, Volvo believes that diesel powertrains will continue to play an important role in many markets during the transition.To support this, the company unveiled a new 13-liter diesel engine platform known as the D13.

The new engine produces between 380 hp and 560 hp, with torque output ranging from 1,800 Nm to 2,900 Nm. Volvo says fuel consumption can be reduced by up to four percent compared to the previous D13 eSCR engine.Interestingly, this engine is compatible with conventional diesel, biodiesel (B100) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The D13 is available across Volvo’s FM, FMX, FH and FH Aero ranges.

Gas: A renewable-fuel solution available today

Volvo also showed off the G13 gas-powered engine, which shares its architecture with the new D13 diesel engine. Designed to run on LNG and bio-LNG fuels, the G13 produces between 420 hp and 500 hp, while torque ranges from 2,400 Nm to 2,800 Nm.

One of the key advantages of gas-powered trucks is their ability to significantly reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions when powered by renewable bio-LNG. Like the D13, it will be offered in the FM, FMX, FH and FH Aero product lines.Perhaps more importantly, the platform was developed with future hydrogen combustion applications in mind. Volvo has begun testing the hydrogen-powered combustion engine on public roads and plans to bring the technology to market before the end of this decade.

Driving experience

After the presentations and walkarounds, it was time for the most exciting part of the day. We got behind the wheel of these trucks, tested them on the test track and a little on public roads.

Both the trucks we drove were Electric, but the highlight was the FH Aero Electric. This six-axle behemoth looks intimidating from the outside, but behind the driver’s seat, things become quite easy. Right from the bright camera displays that show every angle of the road around the car, with the Adaptive GPS system, makes it easy to drive the big car.

Having driven diesel trucks and buses earlier, the biggest surprise for me was how quickly the truck got off the line due to the electric torque available at almost zero rpm. Despite hauling a full load, the truck quickly reaches highway speeds. When passing on inclined surfaces of hills, the GPS detects the upcoming uphill speed and automatically accelerates and once it detects a downhill speed, the power is reduced to save energy. While our driving was limited in time and distance, one thing is clear: electric trucks make good sense for certain applications. Better than ICE in some particular cases!

The way forward

What Volvo showed us in Gothenburg was not just a collection of new trucks and engines. It is a statement of how the company sees the future of commercial transportation.Instead of supporting a single technology, Volvo is pursuing a multi-powertrain strategy that combines battery electric vehicles, renewable fuel combustion engines and future hydrogen solutions.

For markets like India, where billing infrastructure is still developing and freight requirements vary, such flexibility could prove valuable. Taking everything into account, it’s safe to say that commercial mobility is likely to be shaped by multiple technologies working together rather than one replacing them all.