The adoption of electric vehicles for heavy transport is gaining momentum, with more companies investing in electric trucks. Joining this trend is Gothenburg-based Mattson Åkeri, which has recently purchased three heavy electric trucks from Volvo.
The manufacturer has successfully delivered the electric heavy haulage truck to Gothenburg. It can handle a total weight of 74 tons with two trailers and measures 32 meters long.
The truck has been undergoing testing for the past few weeks in the port area of Arendal in Gothenburg as part of a High-Capacity Transport (HCT) project.
The specific electric truck undergoing testing is the Volvo FH Electric 6X4. The vehicle is powered by green electricity from the two fast 180 kW chargers installed by Mattsson Åkeri at their depot in Arendal.
In the long run, this truck will operate on the route between Gothenburg and Borås, which is 70 kilometers away.
Advantages of High-Capacity Transport
High-Capacity Transport allows for longer vehicles and increased gross weight. It enables larger cargo loads to be transported per vehicle and works with any driveline.
This approach aims to reduce transport costs, minimize environmental impact, improve traffic safety, reduce road wear and lower maintenance expenses.
Jan-Olof Mattsson, CEO of Mattson Åkeri, expressed satisfaction with the electric truck’s performance. He highlighted its ability to carry as much cargo as a diesel truck.
“The truck runs 12 hours a day, with a stop for charging when the driver takes a break,” said Mattsson. “We charge with green electricity and thus get no CO2 emissions. Silent, electric operation also means a better working environment for the driver.”
Lena Larsson, the project manager for the HCT project within Volvo’s technology organization, emphasized the company’s commitment to demonstrating the feasibility of all-electric solutions in applications with high total weights and utilization rates.
Collaborating with Mattson Åkeri, the Swedish Transport Administration and other partners, Volvo is currently exploring ways to optimize the operation of the electric truck. This involves determining the most efficient method for charging the electric truck.
Volvo Trucks has been in production for all-electric trucks since 2019. It currently offers six electric models with sales of nearly 5,000 electric trucks across 40 countries. The company provides a diverse range of transportation solutions for both urban and intercity needs.
As part of its global commitment, Volvo Trucks aims to have electric trucks account for 50 percent of its total sales by 2030.