From medium-duty metro models to a full 50-tonne B-train-capable tractor unit, Volvo Truck’s range of electric models has landed in New Zealand.

It was a typical July day in the Waikato – that’s to say, gloomy clouds and persistent rain. There was no chance of that dampening the spirit at Hampton Downs, though, as Volvo Truck and Bus New Zealand hosted media and customers for continual test-drive laps of the circuit throughout the day.

Now, laps around a racetrack can give only a taste of a vehicle’s capabilities. Still, on first acquaintance, the FL Electric medium-duty and FM Electric heavy-duty models have a lot to offer.

By now, we know the gig … smooth and instant power delivery, near-silent operation and a sense of ease from behind the wheel.

The plucky FL in 4×2 rigid form (with air suspension on both axles!) is ideally suited to its metro remit. Three steps into the cab via the 90°-opening door. Easily to familiarise yourself with the switchgear. Turn the key as though you’re starting a diesel – and you’re away.

At your disposal is a single electric motor sending its 130kW (175hp) of continuous power through a two-speed gearbox. Power comes from three or four batteries offering 280 to 375kWh capacity. Range, therefore, is quoted as up to 450km. A full charge can be completed in just 2.3 hours on a 150kW DC charger.

But it’s the handsome FM that gained the most attention. We know the FM well, and the FM Electric is instantly familiar – the only clues being the chassis skirts hiding its six batteries (five optionally) and, less conspicuous, the ‘ELECTRIC’ graphic above the sun visor.

With its 50-tonne GCM rating, the FM Electric is powered by three electric motors – offering up to 490kW (666hp) continuous power – coupled to an I-Shift gearbox. Battery capacity ranges from 450 to 540kWh for a range of up to 300km. The charge time is quoted as two hours on DC.

As with the FL, all axles are air-suspended, but to suit its wider operational brief, the FM is available with low sleeper cab, sleeper cab and Globetrotter cab options.

“The FM (and FH) Electric offers a genuine 50-tonne GCM, 36-pallet B-train configuration – the first EV trucks to offer this option in the country,” says Scott Robinson, national sales manager Volvo Truck and Bus. All Volvo Electric models are available to order now, with up to eight-month lead time (depending on model), says Scott.

The FL is the same truck that was on trial with Fonterra for about eight months in 2022. “We’ve had some uptake with the EVs in trials,” says Scott. “We’ve got one in build at the moment and another three coming for two different companies. One’s for Fonterra Brands, which came off the back of that trial – they just wanted something a bit bigger. Two of them are the first FM rigid EVs on order. We’re excited about that.”

Scott acknowledges that the industry is facing a massive change. But company owners and operators are beginning to see the operation of electric trucks as inevitable, and enquiries are ramping up. “It’s becoming a real thing,” he says.

“We’re finding it’s more corporates approaching us. They’re being pressured internally as well as externally from contracts to be more sustainable and look at these options for their fleets. That’s driving the enquiries, and it’s a case of working through the process with them to determine if an EV is suitable for the runs they require,” Scott explains.

“Metro operation is the perfect use for an EV. They regen when you slow, so a lot of the stopping and starting is regenning. And they’re built for that work – 200km is an easy day for an EV, especially metro. The EVs we have on hand are capable of doing that in a day without a charge.”

Currently, all Volvo EVs are made in Europe, but it is expected they’ll be assembled in Wacol, alongside other models for our region, by about 2026.

“We’re working towards that for our part of the world; it’s quite exciting,” Scott says. “It’ll be good; made for our market. But we will still be restricted around configurations because it’ll be a generic global offering.

“As we know, New Zealand runs a lot of 8x4s … globally, they don’t. So, there’s work to be done around offerings and operators will need to look at what they can run.

“Legislation needs to kick in there as well; it needs to be reviewed. We’ve had some brief discussions [with government]. All OEMs are trying to lobby and make them aware how old our legislation is,” he comments.

In the meantime, we can’t wait to see Volvo’s Electric vehicles in operation in New Zealand – 50-tonne all up.

Jump Charging

Electric vehicles can’t be a realistic option without a charging infrastructure, and in this regard, Volvo Trucks New Zealand works with local entity Jump Charging, a business specialising in the supply of commercial electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“We’re not charging experts; we’re truck experts,” says Scott Robinson. “If customers want to look at charging infrastructure, Jump Charging offers a total solution.”

The company combines in-house expertise and professional partnerships to design, engineer and build end-to-end EV-charging infrastructure solutions.

“Jump Charging was founded to support the commercial and heavy-vehicle industry, and we’re excited to see the growing range of quality electric truck and bus options from trusted OEMs such as Volvo,” says Alex Watson, director and engineering and commercial manager at Jump Charging.

“Our relationship with Volvo is a great example of where we work closely with an OEM and their clients to develop fit-for-purpose, value-for-money solutions.”

Jump Charging considers the specific requirements of each location and application, factoring in the consistency of energy supply and implementing tailored solutions that fit the operational needs.

It offers everything from entry-level mobile 40kW DC fast-chargers and permanent high-capacity DC charging solutions to support larger electric fleets, and supplementary AC charging.

“Every business has different operational requirements and when considering fleet electrification, in addition to the vehicles themselves, it is critical to assess and select the right charging infrastructure up front to ensure their effectiveness. That is why we work closely with OEMs, distributors, and users alike to develop fit-for-purpose, value-for-money solutions that meet their current and future needs,” Alex adds.