Volvo Trucks has launched an enhanced version of its Volvo VNR Electric truck in North America with up to an 85% increased range and faster charging.

The Swedish giant said in a statement that the Volvo VNR Electric is one of its six all-electric heavy truck models and is specially designed for the North American market, where it was launched in December 2020. And now, as Volvo “continues to lead the deployment of zero-tailpipe emission trucks across the world” it has launched the enhanced version of the VNR in North America.

While the first generation of the Volvo VNR Electric had an operating range of up to 240km, now an enhanced version of the class 8 electric truck is launched, with an operational range of up to 440km and increased energy storage of up to 565kWh. The improved performance is due to, among other things, improved battery design and a new six battery package option, said Volvo.

The new Volvo VNR Electric also reduces the required charging time, as the 250kW charging capability provides an 80% charge in 90 minutes for the six-battery package, and 60 minutes for the four-battery version.

“It is a testament to Volvo Trucks’ leadership in a continuously evolving industry that we are bringing the enhanced version of our VNR Electric to the market only a year after sales of the VNR Electric first started,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Trucks North America.

Production of the enhanced Volvo VNR Electric will start in Q2 2022 in the company’s New River Valley plant in Virginia, which is the exclusive producer of all Volvo trucks in North America.

Globally, Volvo Trucks has set the target that half of all trucks sold are electric by 2030. Commenting on this target, Roger Alm, president Volvo Trucks, said: “We are determined to lead the transformation of the transport industry. In only eight years’ time, our goal is that half of our global truck sales are electric. The interest among customers is high, and it’s quickly becoming a competitive advantage for transporters to be able to offer electric, sustainable transports. That is very encouraging.”

Volvo Trucks added that it started serial production of electric trucks in 2019, as one of the very first truck brands in the world. The product range now includes six electric truck models – the Volvo FH, Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FE, Volvo FL and the Volvo VNR.