Electric: Extending the limits of battery-powered trucks
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 powershift gearbox in the rear axle. This packaging solution frees up space in the chassis, allowing Volvo to install eight batteries with a combined capacity of 780 kWh.
Volvo’s e-axle.
The result is a claimed driving distance of up to 700km on a single charge, making it one of the most capable long-distance electric trucks announced so far.The electric transmission 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 350 kW CCS fast charging, which takes about 85 minutes for the same charging window.
Alongside the FH Aero Electric, Volvo also introduced 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-motor setup paired with an eight-speed powershift gearbox and deliver up to 731 hp. The battery capacity reaches 540 kWh, which provides an autonomy of up to 470 km with a single 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 moving, improving productivity in commercial operations.
Diesel: Cleaner combustion remains important
While electric trucks are gaining momentum, Volvo believes that diesel engines will continue to play a crucial role in many markets during the transition period.To support this, the company introduced an all-new 13-liter diesel engine platform known as the D13.
The new engine produces between 380 hp and 560 hp, with torque outputs ranging from 1,800 Nm to 2,900 Nm. Volvo claims that 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 across Volvo’s 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-powered trucks is their ability to significantly reduce life-cycle CO2 emissions when operated with 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 combustion engines on public roads and plans to bring the technology to market before the end of this 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 on public roads.
Both trucks we drove were electric, but the highlight was the FH Aero Electric. This six-axle coupe was intimidating to watch from the outside, but once behind the driver’s seat, things became surprisingly easy. From the brilliant camera screens that show every corner of the road around the vehicle, along with the Adaptive GPS system, it made driving the massive vehicle very easy.
Having driven diesel trucks and buses before, the biggest surprise to me was how easily the truck got off the line due to the electric torque available at almost zero rpm. Despite carrying a full load, the truck easily reached highway speeds. When passing through sloping surfaces in hills, the GPS would detect the next uphill runs and accelerate automatically and once it senses a downhill run, the power will be reduced to conserve energy. While our drive was limited in time and distance, one thing was clear: electric trucks make great 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 of 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 cargo infrastructure is constantly evolving and transport requirements vary widely, such flexibility could be particularly important. Taking everything into account, it is safe to say that commercial mobility is likely to be shaped by many technologies working side by side rather than one replacing all the others.
