VOLVO

Volvo FM Electric inaugurates the new era of decarbonization of heavy trucks in Brazil

The Volvo FM Electric model is being presented to hauliers in different regions to collect first impressions on typical Brazilian applications.

“As announced in the last Fenatran, we are placing vehicles in transport companies with regular operations in Brazil, so that fleet owners feel the benefits and advances of our technology. Reports have been very positive. In addition to the total absence of emissions, carriers also note great energy efficiency, no noise, very low vibration and high comfort for the driver. They also highlight the exceptional level of safety on board, in line with Volvo's 'Zero Accidents' vision", declares Wilson Lirmann, president of the Volvo Group Latin America.

Transition...The trips are being made by carriers from various sectors and in different regions of the country. The objective is to understand the expectations and demands of potential customers, in addition to collecting technical data on different applications. “We will start our journey of transforming heavy transport in Brazil into specific applications, to gradually expand the technology to other segments”, explains Alan Holzmann, director of strategy and product planning for trucks at Volvo.

The routes mix urban and highway sections, obeying the real conditions of the demands of each carrier. Most of the time, the vehicles are shipped from the production units and take the cargo to distribution centers or even to the final destination. “We put the trucks to the test in the typical applications they will be used in. And they are doing very well”, says Marco Mildenberg, manager of electromobility at Volvo.

Good autonomy...The Volvo FM Electric tractor has a power of 490 kW (660 hp), with PBTC (Total Combined Gross Weight) options of up to 44 tons. It can be equipped with three electric motors and up to six batteries (540 kWh). With autonomy of up to 300 km, it is ideal for operations around urban centers. Charging can be done at stations in the carrier's yard and can take from 1h30 to 8h, depending on the number of batteries and type of charger.

With air suspension on all axles, the Volvo FM Electric is equipped with regeneration brakes, that is: it recovers energy when it is braked. The model has a very low noise level, making it a great alternative for applications close to residential areas. Without gas emissions, it can be used in closed environments such as sheds and warehouses, for example. “Volvo FM Electric is a global product, with our world's highest technology available in 100% electric trucks,” assures Holzmann.

Decarbonization...Volvo is at the global forefront in sustainable heavy transport, with the goal of reducing the CO2 emissions of its vehicles by 50% by 2030 and by 100% by 2040. The brand is a leader in heavy electric vehicles in Europe and the United States. States and has nearly 5,000 trucks delivered with this technology worldwide. “The start of Volvo FM Electric tests in Brazil is another step in our global journey towards decarbonizing the sector. Our goal is 100% safer, more productive and CO2-free transport”, concludes Wilson Lirmann.

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