Tesla Semi wins companion in Volvo VNR Class 8 electric truck



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Volvo recently introduced its VNR Electric Class 8 truck, which could be a good companion for the Tesla Semi on North American roads. The Volvo VNR Electric is equipped with a 264 kWh battery with a range of up to 150 miles, depending on the truck configuration. The fully electric Volvo heavy truck can also recharge up to 80% in 70 minutes.

The Volvo VNR Electric is available in three configurations.

  • Straight single axle truck with a gross weight rating of 33,300 lbs.
  • A two-tractor 4 × 2 configuration with a 66,000 lb. Combined Gross Weight Increase (GCWR)
  • A 6 × 2 two-tractor configuration with up to 82,000 lbs. GCWR for some applications.

“The Volvo VNR Electric marks a significant step forward for electromobility in an industry that we are committed to leading as it is undergoing rapid and significant change,” said Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve. “Volvo Trucks believes in and invests in sustainable electromobility. Our deep understanding of the transportation ecosystem – the technology, infrastructure and applications in the trucking industry – has enabled us to deliver a solution that is both advanced and easy to own and use. “

(Credit: Volvo)

The Tesla Semi was unveiled with a range of 300 and 500 miles, depending on the variant, three years ago. Since 2017, Tesla has been working on battery improvements that could increase the range of the Semi. Elon Musk alluded to this during his online appearance at the European Battery Conference.

“Getting a range of 500 km is, I think, pretty easy. And that assumes a truck pulling a load of something in the order of 40 metric tons. It is therefore a heavy truck. For long haul trucking, up to, we think, easily 800 kilometers, and we see a path over time, to about 1000 kilometers of range. We believe this is going to be extremely competitive and compelling for the trucking companies, ”Musk said at the conference.

There is clearly a range gap between Tesla’s and Volvo’s all-electric Class 8 trucks, but each can find its own niche in the electrified trucking market. On its official website, the legacy automaker clarified that the Volvo VNR Electric will be designed for local or regional distribution, pickup and delivery, as well as food and drink distribution.

Based on Volvo’s description, the VNR Electric aims to target city-to-city or more localized deliveries, which matches its current range capacity. Meanwhile, the Tesla Semi seems more suited to support long-haul trips, like state-to-state deliveries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag449gVwNFw

Volvo VNR Electric Brochure by Maria Merano on Scribd

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