Volvo Vans introduced a next-generation model of its first all-electric Class 8 semi in North America – the Volvo VNR Electrical, which was launched in December 2020.

The brand new Volvo VNR Electrical will get a extra energy-dense battery and an extra bigger pack possibility (for some configurations) for a considerably elevated vary. Additionally, the quick charging is now faster.

A very powerful enchancment seems to be associated to the battery system. The earlier 264 kWh battery (4 particular person batteries) has been changed with a brand new 375 kWh model (111 kWh or 42% extra).

This variation alone contributed probably the most to rising the vary of the 4×2 Straight truck configuration from as much as 150 miles, to 230 miles (80 miles or 53%).

We assume that the automobile can be extra environment friendly because the vary elevated greater than the vitality capability.

On prime of that comes a brand new 6-battery model of the battery system, which has a complete capability of 565 kWh. It is accessible just for a few of the automobile configurations (see full specs on the backside of this publish), and may enhance the vary as much as 275 miles (442 km).

“The improved Volvo VNR Electrical’s true energy lies within the enhancements made within the battery – know-how, design, administration, and package deal providing. Enhancements in battery design have resulted in an as much as 40% enhance in storage capability for every battery. A devoted Battery Thermal Administration System (BTMS) was added to handle and keep preferrred environmental temperatures. Volvo Vans has additionally launched a brand new six-battery package deal possibility. Combining all three boasts an elevated vitality storage of as much as 565kWh and affords an operational vary of as much as 275 miles.”

Along with the change to new batteries, Volvo VNR Electrical will be capable of quick cost at as much as 250 kW.

Relying on the model, charging to 80% state-of-charge ought to take not more than 60 minutes (375 kWh) or 90 minutes (565 kWh).

Beforehand, when the ability restrict was 150 kW, charging to the identical degree took 70 minutes (264 kWh battery).

Apart from the EV-related upgrades, the Volvo VNR Electrical is now additionally accessible in two extra configurations (for a complete of 5): a 6×4 straight truck and a 6×4 tractor.

The brand new Volvo VNR Electrical is now accessible for order, whereas the collection manufacturing on the firm’s New River Valley manufacturing plant in Dublin, Virginia will start in Q2 2022.

“Over the previous 12 months, Volvo Vans has delivered the Volvo VNR Electrical to clients in a number of states throughout the US, accumulating invaluable working information to repeatedly enhance the know-how to extend the effectivity of the truck beneath various working situations. The following era Volvo VNR Electrical is now open for order.”

Peter Voorhoeve, president, Volvo Vans North America mentioned:

“It’s a testomony to Volvo Vans’ management that in a constantly evolving trade we’re bringing the improved model of our VNR Electrical to the market a 12 months after gross sales of the VNR Electrical first began. Volvo Vans is on the forefront within the trade, at all times innovating and bettering, whereas upholding the very best requirements in design, building and security. Our workforce is pleased with its function, along with sellers and clients, in accelerating the shift to electromobility and a extra sustainable future.”

Volvo VNR Electrical specs:

• Configurations:
  4×2 Straight truck – as much as 230 miles (375 kWh), weight score as much as 33,000 lbs
  6×4 Straight truck – as much as 190 miles (375 kWh), weight score as much as 54,000 lbs
  4×2 Tractor – as much as 175 miles (375 kWh), weight score as much as 66,000 lbs
  6×2 Tractor – as much as 275 miles (565 kWh), weight score as much as 88,200 lbs
  6×4 Tractor – as much as 275 miles (565 kWh), weight score as much as 88,200 lbs
• vary of as much as 275 miles (442 km) relying on configuration
• Battery varieties:
  375 kWh (4-battery model)
  565 kWh (6-battery model)
• prime velocity of 68 mph (109 km/h)
• system output of 340 kW (455 hp) with as much as 4,051 lb/ft torque
  dual-motor drivetrain with two-speed I-Shift automated transmission
• quick charging (80%) as much as 250 kW:
  375 kWh: in 60 minutes
  565 kWh: in 90 minutes

Earlier Volvo VNR Electrical specs:

• vary of as much as 150 miles (240 km) relying on configuration
• Three configurations:
  Straight truck – as much as 150 miles, a gross automobile weight score of 33,200 lbs
  4×2 tractor – as much as 120 miles, can carry a GCVW of as much as 66,000 lbs
  6×2 tractor- as much as 120 miles, can carry a GCVW of as much as 82,000 lbs
• 264 kWh battery
• prime velocity of 65 mph (105 km/h)
• system output of 455 hp with as much as 4,051 lb/ft torque
  dual-motor drivetrain with two-speed I-Shift automated transmission
• quick charging (80%) in 70 minutes utilizing 150 kW DC charger