Volvo Trucks Wins International Award for Electric Model

Volvo Trucks has received an international industry award for its electric truck range. The recognition marks the company’s eighth win of the accolade and the second time its FH Electric model has been named International Truck of the Year. The award acknowledges electric transport as a workable option across a growing number of applications.

The heavy-duty electric line-up, which includes the Volvo FH, FM, FMX Electric and FH Aero Electric, was selected as International Truck of the Year 2027. According to the company, the range offers a driving distance of up to 700 km, along with improved payload capacity and shorter charging times than earlier models. It is intended for regional and long-haul transport, city distribution, construction and utility work.

The jury noted how Volvo has expanded its electric portfolio beyond a single vehicle or use case. It highlighted the combination of longer range, different cab and chassis configurations, and various solutions that can be adapted to different transport tasks.

Florian Engel, chairman of International Truck of the Year, said the winning range represents a significant development in the company’s battery-electric heavy-duty offering. He added that it shows how quickly battery-electric heavy-duty transport is shifting from individual applications towards a broader transport solution.

Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks, received the award during a ceremony at IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany. He said the recognition confirms the company’s position in electromobility and noted strong demand for the new electric trucks, with the order book almost full. According to Alm, the range allows more operations to choose transport with zero tailpipe emissions.

Since 2019, 7,000 electric Volvo trucks have covered 500 million kilometres worldwide. Close to 2,000 customers in more than 50 countries currently use electric Volvo trucks in their daily operations.

Volvo Trucks offers eight electric truck models designed for a range of transport assignments. Over seven years of electrification, the company has developed expertise in optimising energy usage, charging and service for electric trucks.

The International Truck of the Year organisation was established in 1977 and consists of 24 commercial vehicle journalists from major trucking magazines across Europe. The annual award goes to the truck introduced to the market in the previous 12 months that has made the most significant contribution to road transport efficiency. Judges assess criteria including technological innovation, comfort, safety, drivability, energy efficiency, environmental impact and total cost of ownership.

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Volvo Trucks Hits 250,000 km with Electric Fleet in South Africa

Volvo Trucks South Africa’s battery-electric customer fleet has now covered more than 250 000 kilometres in real-world commercial operation since the vehicles were first introduced locally in 2023. The distance has been accumulated across a range of applications, with companies using the trucks to reduce emissions while gaining firsthand experience in electric freight movement.

The current generation of extra heavy electric models makes up the fleet, operating largely on shorter routes and urban distribution cycles. While the global Volvo electric truck fleet has logged more than 400 million kilometres, the local figure represents a measured but meaningful advance for the South African market, according to Eric Parry, Senior Manager for Sustainable Solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

“While a quarter of a million kilometres may seem modest compared with the more than 400-million already accumulated by Volvo electric trucks globally, it represents a significant achievement in the South African context, where the majority of Volvo electric trucks are operating on shorter-route and urban distribution applications,” said Parry.

The fleet’s monthly average per vehicle stands at 2 000 kilometres, with the busiest units consistently reaching 10 000 kilometres a month. Energy consumption across the range averages 1,77 kWh/km, covering everything from eight-tonne 4x2 units carrying five to seven tonnes of payload, up to 6x4 tractors pulling interlink trailers with loads of 32 tonnes or more.

Parry noted the milestone reflects growing trust in the technology. “The milestone reflects the confidence customers have placed in Volvo Trucks' electric transport solutions and demonstrates that battery-electric trucks are successfully meeting the demands of daily commercial operations,” he said. He added customers and drivers have shown a willingness to adapt and refine their operating methods, and the distance achieved speaks both to the vehicle capability and to the commitment of those using them.

Beyond the odometer reading, the fleet’s performance has offered practical lessons in charging behaviour, vehicle utilisation, uptime management and driver feedback under local conditions. All customer fleets charge at depot or loading areas, using their own installed chargers. Charging strategies vary between overnight slow charging and faster top-ups, depending on each operation’s specific needs.

Parry said one of the more encouraging developments has been seeing electric trucks shift from a theoretical option to a daily fixture in transport operations. He said each kilometre travelled adds to the business case for wider adoption. Volvo Trucks provides dealer and workshop support for electric fleets, including real-time battery monitoring, dedicated 24/7 roadside assistance, and range-prediction tools.

Looking ahead, Volvo Trucks South Africa plans to introduce a new generation of electric trucks later this year, offering extended range and additional power configurations. Parry said the current fleet is laying groundwork for that next phase, and the company views the 250 000-kilometre mark not as a conclusion, but as a stepping stone.

“While a quarter of a million kilometres is an important milestone, it is what those kilometres represent that matters most: growing customer confidence, valuable operational experience, and a foundation for the next generation of electric transport,” he said.

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