Volvo Trucks is pushing the capabilities of commercial vehicle electrification with the debut of its latest extended-range electric truck configuration. It's called the FH Electric/FH Aero Electric, and it's purpose-built to handle heavy truck and trailer setups with a total weight of up to 80 tons. The new variant targets demanding transport assignments that were previously difficult to operate using purely electric power.

The Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer tailored the vehicle for markets that permit heavier transport combinations using a rigid truck and trailer. At a gross combination weight of 64 tons, the electric rig can travel up to 450 kilometers on a single charge. Even when loaded to higher legal limits of 74 to 76 tons, the truck maintains an operational range of up to 420 kilometers.

Powering the vehicle is a powertrain featuring updated batteries that offer 640 kWh of usable energy. Volvo equipped the system with an improved battery monitoring setup and enhanced insulation designed for cold climates, allowing the batteries to retain energy more efficiently. Power then goes through an eight-speed transmission developed specifically for electric motors. To support challenging transport applications like timber hauling or light construction, Volvo incorporated hub-reduction axles to increase ground clearance and improve starting traction under heavy loads.

It also comes with fast-charging solutions designed to minimize downtime during long-distance routes. The truck supports the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) at up to 680 kW, which can recharge the battery from 20% to 80& in approximately 36 minutes.

It can also utilize a standard 360 kW CCS2 charger, reaching the same 80% threshold in about 70 minutes. An electric power take-off feature is also included, eliminating the need for a separate diesel generator to run auxiliary equipment such as refrigeration units.

Sales for the Volvo FH Electric and FH Aero Electric rigid models will initially open in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The new high-capacity trucks are scheduled for a gradual market rollout starting in early 2027.