Volvo Trucks has entered the EV fray with its first full-electric commercial truck, the Volvo FL Electric.

According to Volvo Trucks, the new truck was designed for “urban distribution and refuse operations, among other applications”. Sales and series production will start in Europe next year.

Volvo Trucks said the new model will help the company “take the lead in solutions for electrified goods transport in cities”.

In a statement issued last week, Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks, said: “We’re immensely proud to present the first in a range of fully electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic. With this model we are making it possible for cities that aim for sustainable urban development to benefit from the advantages of electrified truck transports.”

Volvo Trucks said that there was “considerable market interest” in the electric vehicles, but customers had questions about the switch would impact their operations.

“In order to make the transition secure and smooth,” said Jonas Odermalm, head of product strategy Volvo FL and Volvo FE at Volvo Trucks, “we will offer holistic solutions based on each customer’s individual needs regarding driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters. Such a solution may encompass everything from route analysis and battery optimisation to servicing and financing. Volvo Trucks works closely with several suppliers of charging equipment. The aim as always is to offer customers high uptime and productivity.”

Odermalm added: “From experience we know how important it is that cities, energy suppliers and vehicle manufacturers cooperate in order for large-scale electrification to become a reality. With attractive incentives, agreed standards and a long-term strategy for urban planning and expansion of the charging infrastructure, the process can go much faster.”