KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo has introduced a new range of fully electric heavy-duty prime movers in Malaysia, which includes the FH, FM, and FMX model lines. The arrival of such trucks not only marks their first-time introduction to the local market but also their debut in the Southeast Asian region as a whole.

The new Volvo EV prime movers can be configured in three axle layouts viz—4X2, 6X2, and 6X4, depending on the application and segment. With a starting price of approx RM 2 million, these trucks come with a 10-year finance option.

The new Volvo fully-electric heavy-duty prime movers come equipped with an electric drivetrain. As per the variant picked, it comprises two or three motors generating up to 666 PS of maximum power and 2,400 Nm of peak torque. Handling the transmission duties is a 12-speed I-Shift gearbox across all three model lines. 

The electric motors are fed by two to six battery packs with capacities ranging from 180 kWh to 540 kWh. As for charging, the battery packs take 10 hours for a full charge when using a 43 kW AC charging via a Type 2 connection. However, with the help of 250 kW DC charging, the time can be reduced to approx 2 hours.

Speaking about the range, the Volvo FH Electric, FM Electric, and FMX Electric trucks can run for 300 km at 44 tonnes gross combination weight (GCW).

Other key highlights of Volvo's new electric trucks are -

• Aerodynamic cab design
• V-shaped LED lights
• Dynamic Steering offering additional assistance
• 12-inch high-definition display with halo lights 
• 9.0-inch side display for the vehicle's information system
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Airbags
• Side collision avoidance support
• Road sign recognition
• Passenger corner camera
• Lane keeping support
• Downhill cruise control
• Active grip control
• Collision warning with emergency brake
• Stability assist
• Emergency braking system
• Acoustic visual alert system
• Front short-range assist

The launch event of the new Volvo electric trucks was graced by the presence of Malaysia Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Volvo Trucks International vice-president of truck sales and marketing Johan Selven, Volvo Trucks Malaysia managing director Anthony O'Connell, Swift Haulage chief executive officer Loo Yong Hui, and other VIPs.

"We commend Volvo Trucks' leadership, commitment and investment in making the logistics industry more sustainable, particularly in supporting our New Industrial Master Plan 2030's net zero agenda," said Tengku Zafrul.

"Volvo Trucks' technology-sharing will also help advance the collective knowledge on commercial EV's in Malaysia, paving the way for a more vibrant EV industry that could tap into Asean's US$2.7-billion EV potential by 2027, enhance our domestic SME EV supply chain and provide higher-paying jobs for Malaysians," he added.

The integrated logistics provider Swift Haulage Bhd has become the pioneer in the region to adopt these fully-electric prime movers by placing an order for 20 units.

Also read: Fully-electric Volvo EX30 introduced; here’s all you need to know