In February of 2020, Volvo offered a look at its Class 8 battery-electric VNR at an event at the TEC Equipment dealership in Fontana, California. The event was one of several over 2020 and 2021 to commemorate the new trucks entering the market, with the most recent being an event to recognize the delivery of the first of five Volvo VNR Electric trucks to Manhattan Beer Distributors just last month.
Part of the Volvo Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions (LIGHTS) project, Volvo believes the VNR Electric will become the ideal truck for short- and regional-haul applications such as drayage, urban distribution, pickup and delivery, others. And those looking to build a more sustainable fleet will benefit from the truck’s zero emissions.
BRASS TACKS
If you’re at all familiar with the Volvo VNR, consider yourself familiar with its all-electric counterpart. The VNR Electric merges the VNR series’ agility, versatility, safety, and visibility with the VNR Electric’s sustainability. The VNR Electric drivetrain is rated at 455 hp with up to 4,051 lb-ft of torque. It also features Volvo’s two-speed I-Shift automated transmission, and it can achieve speeds up to 65 mph on the highway.
The Volvo VNR Electric is available in three different configurations: a single-axle straight truck and a 4×2 tractor and a 6×2 tractor—all to suit your business’ needs.
But what about its range, you ask? Range anxiety is a big concern among fleet managers when considering an electric fleet. That’s why it’s best to put electric trucks on predictable routes, such as those seen regularly in delivery or short-haul routes. If your business falls under those applications, you’ll be pleased to know that the Volvo VNR Electric has a 150-mile range depending on configuration, has a 264-kWh battery capacity, and can charge up to 80% in just 70 minutes with a 150 kWh charger.
A BETTER RIDE
Volvo designed the VNR to be comfortable for drivers—all drivers. Its steering wheel features a three-way neck tilt to position the wheel exactly where it’s most comfortable. The steering wheel houses buttons that toggle through operating parameters, trip information, performance data, and more in the 5-inch driver information cluster in the dash. The VNR also features a 7-inch infotainment screen where drivers can access Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, GPS, and connect to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Volvo also designed the VNR to provide better driver visibility.
With the VNR Electric, you get all of the above features and then some. The VNR Electric’s powertrain offers less noise and better responsiveness—two characteristics that contribute to less driver fatigue. A quieter truck also allows for overnight work. This means flexible hours and an option to drive during off-peak hours.
SAFETY STANDARDS
Volvo doused its VNR Electric in safety features, complete with additional protection in the VNR Electric’s battery cage. Included in all VNR Electrics is Volvo Active Driving Assist, a forward collision avoidance technology helping drivers respond and avoid threatening traffic situations. This technology uses cameras and radars to keep the driver alert of traffic changes at all times. Lane Departure Warnings are also included. As for the additional battery protection, Volvo’s VNR Electric battery box features a side impact protection barrier.
In addition to safety features integrated into the truck itself, Volvo also offers other safety programs and features. Among them is the Volvo Gold Contract, which Volvo made standard for the launch of the VNR Electric. The contract is designed to help owners easily transition from a diesel fleet to an electric fleet with services such as towing, maintenance, uptime services, and repairs.
Volvo’s diagnostic system is also available in the VNR Electric. This system offers connectivity and service experts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Volvo’s Uptime Center can also monitor your VNR Electric’s battery to forecast battery life and optimize charging procedures and maintenance.
GREEN INITIATIVES
Within the year, Volvo has delivered its VNR Electric models to customers from Southern California to New York City. Companies such as Penske, Saia LTL Freight, and Manhattan Beer Distributors already have these trucks in their fleet while others are waiting on their orders to arrive. If you’d like to call yourself part of the sustainable fleet movement, there’s no better time to get the ball rolling.
As of March 2021, the Volvo VNR Electric is eligible for dozens of funding and initiative programs in California, New York, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Utah, and New Hampshire.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Find out more about the Volvo VNR Electric, visit www.volvotrucks.us.
