Volvo Trucks has released details of its latest electric rear axle that will help the company’s go further on battery power.
The company already has a wide range of EVs, therefore this innovation will be welcomed by many.
Specifically, the new electric rear axle will enable Volvo trucks to travel up to 440km, depending on model.
In addition, it allows even more batteries on board a truck by integrating the electric motors and transmission in the rear axle.
More batteries mean longer range, thereby creating opportunities to provide electric solutions for even long-distance transport.
For example, the technology will be relevant for forthcoming fuel cell electric trucks.
Here, the additional space will be welcomed for installing other components.
Jessica Sandström, SVP global product management at Volvo Trucks, hailed the company’s innovation.
“This is a breakthrough for electric trucks,” she said.
“It’s a clear signal that there will be a huge demand for public fast-chargers for heavy trucks in the near future.”
Volvo Trucks will start serial production of cab over engine trucks with the new e-axle in the coming years.
Meanwhile, the Swedish manufacturer has confirmed the new models will complement the current line-up of battery electric trucks.
“We will continue with our versatile battery electric trucks that are already in production,” continued Sandström.
“They can currently cover a wide range of transport assignments.
“In a few years, we will add this rear e-axle for all customers covering longer routes than today.”
Volvo Trucks has a three-path strategy to reach zero emissions.
Firsrtly, by using battery electric technology before fuel cell electric models.
Finally, it will develop combustion engines that run on renewable fuels such as biogas.
Concluding, Sandström said: “Different technical solutions are needed to tackle climate change.
“The availability of energy and fuel infrastructure differs between transport assignments.”
