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DUBLIN, Va. — Volvo Trucks North America discussed safety and provided test drives of its VNR Electric truck as part of the Volvo Electromobility Sales Summit.
The trailer was filled with sandbags to simulate a full truckload.
The event, and drive on a mile-long test track, was at the Volvo Customer Center on Sept. 29.
The test track included several turns and a straightaway. It fluctuated between open and narrow roads including a couple of tight corners that ran along a cliff.
Volvo VNR cab interior by Connor D. Wolf/Transport Topics
The reporters test driving the vehicles were also joined by company representatives to answer questions.
The VNR Electric Class 8 was designed around local and regional distribution. That includes urban transport, which is why the truck has a panoramic windshield to allow for a fuller view when navigating congested city streets. It also has a wheel cut of 50 degrees and a bumper to back of cab of just 113 inches.
The truck has a six-battery configuration behind the cab that allows for 565 kilowatt-hour battery capacity. That equates to about a 275-mile range that allows for local and regional fleet operations. The battery configuration also means it can reach an 80% charge in just an hour and a half.
Volvo trucks await entry onto the test track at the Volvo plant in Dublin, Va. (Connor D. Wolf/Transport Topics)
The VNR Electric truck is based on the more standard Volvo VNR model. The electric version is available in five configurations: 4×2 straight truck, 6×4 straight truck, 4×2 tractor, 6×2 tractor and 6×4 tractor.
The truck has a regenerative braking system. It recovers kinetic energy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Between 5% and 15% of brake energy is regenerated back into its Energy Storage System.
VNR Electric trucks are sold in combination with the Volvo Gold Contract. This service contract is specifically designed for battery-electric vehicles and includes maintenance, towing, unplanned repair and uptime services. The truck and contract have several payment options.
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