Electric: Expanding the boundaries of battery-powered transport
The biggest highlight of the event was the new Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range. Designed specifically for long-haul operations, the truck features a newly developed e-axle system that integrates two electric motors and a six-speed transmission with powershift into the rear axle. This packaging solution frees up space inside the chassis, allowing Volvo to fit eight batteries with a combined capacity of 780 kWh.
Volvo 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 to date.The electric drive produces up to 623 hp, while the gross combined weight reaches up to 48 tons. The load capacity can go up to 28 tons depending on the configuration.Speaking of charging capabilities, the truck supports the new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standard with charging speeds of up to 700 kW. Volvo says the battery can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 50 minutes. It also supports 350kW CCS fast charging, which takes approximately 85 minutes for the same charging period.
Along with the FH Aero Electric, Volvo also introduced the updated FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks. These models target regional distribution, construction, urban logistics, waste management and utility operations.The new-generation trucks use a dual-engine system paired with an eight-speed powershift transmission and deliver up to 731 hp. The battery capacity reaches 540 kWh, providing a range of up to 470 km with a single charge. A notable addition is the integrated power delivery system, which allows body-mounted equipment such as mixers, compactors and hook lift systems to operate while the truck is moving, improving productivity in commercial operations.
diesel: Cleaner Combustion is still important
While electric trucks are gaining momentum, Volvo believes that diesel engines will continue to play a key role in many markets during the transition period.To support this, the company introduced an all-new 13-litre 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 claims 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 will be available in the Volvo FM, FMX, FH and FH Aero ranges.
Gas: A renewable fuel solution available today
Volvo also introduced the G13 gas 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 trucks is their ability to significantly reduce CO2 emissions over their life cycle when running on 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 already started testing hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines on public roads and plans to bring the technology to market before the end of the decade.
Driving experience
After the presentations and walks, it was time for the most exciting part of the day. We got behind the wheel of these trucks, testing them both on the test track and a little bit on public roads.
Both trucks we drove were electric, but the highlight was the FH Aero Electric. This six-axle behemoth was intimidating to look at from the outside, but once behind the driver’s seat, things became surprisingly easy. Right from the brilliant camera screens that show every angle of the road around the vehicle, together with the Adaptive GPS system, make driving the massive vehicle very easy.
Having driven diesel trucks and buses before, the biggest surprise for me was how easily the truck got off the line due to the electric torque available at almost zero rpm. Despite hauling a full load, the truck easily reached highway speeds. When passing through sloping surfaces in hills, the GPS would detect oncoming uphill runs and automatically accelerate, and when it sensed downhill runs, the power would be reduced to save energy. Although our drive was limited in time and distance, one thing was clear: electric trucks make a lot of sense for certain applications. Better than ICE in some special cases!
The road ahead
What Volvo showed us in Gothenburg wasn’t just a collection of new trucks and engines. It was a statement about how the company sees the future of commercial transportation.Rather than 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 charging infrastructure is still developing and cargo requirements vary widely, such flexibility could prove particularly important. All things considered, it’s safe to say that commercial mobility is likely to be shaped by multiple technologies working side-by-side, rather than one replacing all others.
