Volvo Trucks has launched an electric rigid truck rated for truck-and-trailer combinations of up to 176,370 pounds (80 tonnes) gross combination weight, with a range of up to 280 miles (450 km) on a single charge at 64 tonnes. The Volvo FH Electric rigid truck with extended range is built for markets that permit heavier combinations than the European average, according to the company. Sales open in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, with a gradual rollout across those markets starting in early 2027.
Highlights
- Gross combination weight of up to 176,370 lb (80 tonnes) for a rigid truck and trailer setup
- Range of up to 280 miles (450 km) at 64 tonnes GCW, and up to 261 miles (420 km) at 74 to 76 tonnes
- Battery capacity of 640 kWh usable energy, charged by MCS at 680 kW (20 to 80 percent in about 36 minutes) or CCS2 at 360 kW (about 70 minutes)
- Rollout begins in early 2027 across six European markets
Built for Heavier-Than-Average Combinations
The new truck targets rigid-truck-and-trailer combinations, a configuration the company says is common in markets that run heavier loads than most of Europe. A rigid truck, in Volvo’s definition, is a single-chassis vehicle carrying a built-on application such as a box body, crane, refuse compactor, or concrete mixer.
At a gross combination weight of 64 tonnes, the range is up to 280 miles (450 km) on one charge, according to Volvo. At 74 tonnes and 76 tonnes, the maximums allowed in Sweden and Finland respectively, range is up to 261 miles (420 km). The company notes that range depends on weather, wind resistance, total weight, and driver performance.
“We are proud to introduce yet another fantastic zero tailpipe emission truck, tailormade for really heavy loads and long distances. Combined with fast-charging capabilities, we believe many customers will be interested in this new truck,” says Jan Hjelmgren, Senior Vice President Product Management at Volvo Trucks.
“High total weights in truck transport lower both transport costs and environmental impact. If we also electrify these transports, we take an important step towards more sustainable transport,” Hjelmgren adds.
What Powers the 80-Tonne Electric Truck?
The truck uses the same powertrain introduced on the next-generation FH, FM, and FMX Electric trucks Volvo unveiled in April, paired with an eight-speed transmission developed for electric motors. Updated, longer-life batteries provide 640 kWh of usable energy. Volvo says it has also developed an updated battery monitoring system and improved insulation for colder climates, allowing the batteries to operate more efficiently and retain more energy.
The truck supports both the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and CCS2:
| Charging standard | Power | 20–80% charge time |
|---|---|---|
| MCS (Megawatt Charging System) | 680 kW | Approx. 36 minutes |
| CCS2 (Combined Charging System) | 360 kW | Approx. 70 minutes |
An electric power take-off (e-PTO) eliminates the need for a separate diesel generator to run refrigeration units.
Hub-Reduction Axles for Ground Clearance and Startability
With this combination, Volvo is introducing hub-reduction axles to its electric lineup. The company says the setup gives the rigid-and-trailer combination better ground clearance under the axles and improved startability at higher gross combination weights, suiting applications such as on-road timber transport or lighter construction work. On good roads, the higher technical load rating allows greater payload capacity.
Cab and Configuration
The truck is offered with all Volvo FH cabs except the XXL cab, in both standard and Aero versions, and is positioned for long-haul and regional transport with high payload requirements.
