SHAH ALAM: Volvo Trucks Malaysia has officially rolled out its range of FH, FM and FMX all-electric heavy-duty prime movers, a first of such trucks in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
The Swedish truck maker's fully electric prime movers are touted as being aerodynamically designed with more rounded corners to reduce their overall air resistance and aid their respective range performance.
With prices starting from about RM2.0mil (depending on configuration), the electric prime movers can be designed with multiple axle configurations (4X2, 6X2 and 6X4) for various applications and segments.
A 10-year finance tenure is available as an option.
The prime mover can also be configured with up to six batteries that can store up to 540kWh and while hauling a 44-tonne payload, the truck has been projected to travel up to 300km.
Depending on the prime mover's configuration, a 12-speed i-Shift transmission with improved software can manage up to three electric motors.
With a 43kW onboard AC (alternating current) charger, the battery will take up to 10 hours to fully charged from empty or take just two hours if a 250kW DC (direct current) charger is used.
Meanwhile, the battery's warranty is covered by the company's eight-year extensive service contract which includes the vehicle's maintenance and repairs as well.
Additionally, based on independent tests, the electric truck has the potential to use 50% less energy compared to a Volvo FH diesel-powered engine under similar driving conditions.
Up to three electric motors can provide the electric prime mover with 490kW and 2,900Nm of torque.
The trucks also come with an artificial sound to alert pedestrians for added safety.
The electric prime mover is equipped with V-shaped LEDs for low-light illumination while the interior, particularly the FM Sleeper, is touted to have a quiet cabin environment thanks to the use of an electric motor.
Materials for the cabin have been carefully curated to minimise in-cabin gas emissions with an injury-preventive design that uses energy-absorbing materials.
Additionally, it comes equipped with Volvo's Dynamic Steering system and a high-definition 12.0-inch display with a chrome ring surround and halo lights.
Also in the mix is a 9.0-inch side display with touch-and-button functionality for the vehicle's information system which can also be controlled via the multi-function steering wheel.
For safety, the truck is equipped with radar technology as well as side collision avoidance (active from 0kph) as well as a host of active and passive safety systems.
This includes 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, electronic stability control, acoustic visual alert system and front short-range assist.
Additionally, it comes with an emergency exit, airbags and front under-run protection among others.
The first company in the region to adopt a fleet of fully-electric prime movers in the region was integrated logistics provider Swift Haulage Bhd with 20 units ordered.
Present at the event were 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.
The Minister also praised the company for its continuous effort in helping the segment transition towards and adopt greener commercial vehicle fleets.
Selven said sustainability is everyone's reality and the transition to electricity is not a matter of choice but a demand of the times.
"Our leadership in electromobility demonstrates Volvo Trucks' commitment to people and safety as well as carbon reduction in terms of environmental protection," he said.
"We are thrilled to introduce the technology behind our fully electric prime movers which support low climate impact, enhance safety for road users and create a better working environment for drivers," said O'Connell.
O'Connell added that although decarbonisation is challenging, the company remains committed to sharing its expertise on sustainable energy adoption and addressing infrastructure challenges through government and industry partnerships.
Loo said Swift Haulage was proud to be the first haulage company in Malaysia to acquire and incorporate electric prime movers into its fleet.
(From left) Selven, Loo, Tengku Zafrul and O'Connell.
"We believe this technology will revolutionise the industry, and we are excited to lead the way towards a brighter, more efficient, and greener future. Looking forward, we are committed to convert the majority of our fleet to EVs by 2030," Loo said.
Volvo Trucks also highlighted that the emissions from one heavy-duty diesel-powered truck can produce the equivalent of up to 47 passenger vehicles or about 41mil kgs of carbon dioxide.
Volvo Electric Trucks is set to receive the MyHIJAU mark of recognition, which is a green product recognition scheme in Malaysia and is based on safety, quality and performance standards set by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change (MGTC).
With the "mark", companies purchasing a Volvo Electric Truck will be eligible to benefit from green technology tax incentive programmes such as the Green Investment Technology Investment Allowance (GITA).
