Volvo takes the first steps on transport electrification in the country

By Décio Costa | Translated by Jorge Meditsch

Volvo announced at the Fenatran 2022 the start of its trajectory toward cargo transport electrification in the country. The brand chose the recent 100% electric version of the FM launched in Europe to begin testing with customers in Brazil next year.

The model is designed for retail distribution and regional transportation of up to 40 tons gross total weight. With a six-battery package, the truck has a range of up to 300 kilometers.

‘We want to sell and produce this electric truck here. And it will happen at the proper moment”, said Wilson Lirmann, president of the Volvo Group Matin America, in a presentation at the Fenatran. “We are in touch with customers wanting to invest with Volvo in this journey.”

Nonetheless, Lirmann believes there is no single solution for transport decarbonization. For the executive, battery-driven, hydrogen-electric and alternative fuel vehicles will co-exist. “There will be solutions for each segment, application and customer profile.”

In Europe, Volvo started the production of the FL Electric in 2019. Currently, it produces six battery-driven models, including the VNR, in North America. Until now, the manufacturer has sold more than 3.5 thousand electric vehicles in more than 30 countries. The goal is to reach 50% of the sales with electric vehicles up to 2030 and 100% in 2040.

Besides the FM Electric, Volvo shows at the Fenatran all its truck lineup updated to meet the Proconve P8 regulations, equivalent to Euro 6. For Lirmann, more than a legal obligation, the new products also contribute to transport decarbonization. According to the brand, the F range will provide an 8% fuel consumption reduction, while the VM, 10%, compared to the previous generation.

Photo: Volvo