Volvo Trucks Australia has expanded its local electric truck range with a new 14-tonne FL Electric, targeting final-mile delivery and urban distribution operators seeking a lighter zero-emissions truck option.
The 4×2 rigid is now the lightest model in Volvo Trucks Australia’s electric line-up and has been developed to open up applications where payload, manoeuvrability and access to tighter urban streets are key considerations.
A narrower 2400mm-wide cab is designed to suit city operations, while wheelbase options ranging from 3800mm to 6500mm give body builders and fleet operators flexibility across a range of delivery and service applications.
The FL Electric uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs with 175kWh of energy capacity. Volvo says the truck can be fast charged in as little as one hour using a 150kW charger.
Power comes from a 180kW electric driveline paired with a two-speed automated transmission.
Volvo Trucks Australia vice president of sales and marketing Tom Chapman said the new model provides a more accessible entry point for businesses looking to move into low-emissions freight operations.
“This new truck provides an attractive cost-effective entry to low-emissions final-mile and urban distribution roles,” Chapman said.
“The option of LFP batteries provides a tough and robust energy storage option for operators that need flexibility in charging solutions.”
Volvo Group Australia director of e-mobility solutions Tim Camilleri said the lighter FL Electric would allow the brand to pursue a broader range of urban freight applications.
“Many operators are chasing both payload and productivity and we feel this truck delivers both these attributes in excess while retaining the same levels of safety [and] quality that the Volvo brand has become synonymous with,” Camilleri said.
Volvo said support through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Volvo Financial Services is also helping reduce the financial barriers for businesses considering electric trucks through its Electric Ready Lease program.
