since 1976
since 1976
VOLVO Trucks Malaysia (Volvo Trucks) on Tuesday debuted its fully-electric heavy-duty prime movers in Malaysia, the first such vehicle to be launched in the Southeast Asia region.
Volvo Trucks International truck sales and marketing vice president Johan Selven, during the launch in Shah Alam, said: “Sustainability is our 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.”
Volvo Trucks Malaysia managing director Anthony O’Connell said: “The transportation and logistics segments are critical areas to address in the race towards net zero carbon. We are thrilled to introduce the technology behind our fully-electric prime movers which supports low climate impact, enhances safety for road users and creates a better working environment for drivers. While the road to decarbonisation is challenging, we continue to share our expertise around sustainable energy adoption and addressing infrastructure challenges through our government and industry partnerships.”
In its overview presentation of the industry yesterday, Volvo Trucks highlighted that the emissions from one heavy-duty lorry are equivalent to emissions from up to 47 units of passenger vehicles.
The comparative analysis indicated a greater need for stakeholders at the policy level through to the operational level to design an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem that is conducive and attractive to players in the transportation and logistics segment.
The official launch marked the entry of the Volvo FM, FH and FMX fully-electric models. Volvo Trucks Malaysia stated that the electric prime movers are designed with multiple axel configurations for various applications and segments. This is mirrored by variable battery configurations available with a total energy storage of up to 540kWh. The lorries also have a projected travel range of up to 300km.
With regards to charging, an alternating current (AC) on-board charger (43kW) will require an estimated ten hours to charge the battery from empty to full. Meanwhile, with a direct current (DC) charger (max. 250kW), charging time can be reduced to just under two hours.
Based on independent tests, the electric lorry has the potential to use 50% less energy compared to a Volvo FH diesel-powered engine under similar driving conditions, thus providing businesses with better fuel economy to cover the same distance.
Considering the perspective of drivers who typically work long hours on shifts, Volvo electric lorries present an environment with no low-frequent engine noise and no vibrations in the cabin. This feature elevates safety as drivers are able to register sounds around the lorry and can communicate with colleagues easily, for example, when working around the exterior of the lorry. The result is a relaxed environment for drivers of prime movers.
With zero exhaust emissions, electric lorries promote low climate impact when electricity from renewable sources is used. Electric lorries also pave the way for new logistic opportunities, such as the possibility of goods being transported early in the morning or at night with lower noise impact and even indoor deliveries.
Volvo Trucks believes that a multi-stakeholder approach is the key to building Malaysia’s electric ecosystem. In this spirit, the Swedish lorry maker is working closely with government agencies, energy providers and partners such as the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change (MGTC) to help address infrastructure challenges. This includes collaborating with highway concessionaire, PLUS Expressways Berhad, to provide technical knowledge for commercial vehicle charging infrastructure.
Through its collaboration with MGTC, Volvo Trucks will be registered under the MyHijau directory, a government initiative to promote the sourcing and purchasing of green products and services by various industry players in Malaysia. Volvo Electric Trucks is set to receive the MyHIJAU mark of recognition, which is a green product recognition scheme in Malaysia according to safety, quality and performance standards by MGTC. Being part of the MyHijau mark, companies purchasing Volvo electric lorries will be eligible to benefit from green technology tax incentive programs such as the Green Investment Technology Allowance (GITA).
Secondly, Volvo Trucks provides a total cost of ownership analysis to potential customers based on customisable logistic needs. Thirdly, Volvo Trucks leverages its cutting-edge technology to provide training and support to educate lorry operators, drivers and maintenance personnel on EV technology, maintenance procedures, and best practices.
Finally, Volvo Trucks works closely with customers to develop tailored solutions, such as flexible financing options by financial institutions. Efforts also include creating partnerships with companies in the renewable energy sector to provide sustainable charging solutions.
With the government’s commitment to install more charging stations by 2025, Volvo Trucks is hoping for greater consideration of the transportation and logistics industry which serves as the economic lifeline of the nation.
At the launch on Tuesday, Volvo Trucks also secured its first adopters, integrated logistics provider, Swift Haulage Berhad, which purchased two units of the electric prime mover.
Quick facts about the Volvo Trucks fully-electric prime movers:
- Reliable design, excellent drivability and productivity. New electric drive unit with up to 490kW power output and 2,400Nm torque.
- Aerodynamically designed cab with more rounded corners for reduced air resistance and more optimal range performance.
- Volvo Trucks’ signature V-shaped LED lights with consistent brightness enhances visibility at night or in dark places, increasing safety.
- The lorry’s electric driveline is so quiet that artificial sounds have been added to alert pedestrians and other road users to the vehicle’s presence, for better safety.
- Comfortable, modern and safe sleeper cab -- the FM Sleeper cabin is designed with focus on drivers. Materials were carefully selected to minimise gas emission in the cabin and with an injury-preventive design using energy-absorbing materials.
- Using radar technology, Side Collision Avoidance Support monitors areas on both sides of the vehicle, assisting drivers in preventing blind spot accidents during lane changes. It activates from 0km/h onwards, for enhanced safety.
- Manufactured throughout the supply chain using sustainable methods, the modular design of the batteries allows flexibility to suit different operations, excellent fast charging capability for better energy efficiency and productivity.
- Multiple axle configuration from 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 to fit multiple various business operations.
- Available in both AC (43kW) or DC (250kW), the FM Electric can be charged either way for flexibility and productivity.
- More pleasant and safer driving experience for drivers without sounds and vibrations traditionally found in internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Volvo Dynamic Steering, an active steering system designed to enhanced drivability and directional stability for heavy-duty trucks using an electric motor for extra assistance to steering.
- High-definition 12-inch display with a chrome ring surround and halo lights provides dynamic information display and ensures easy reading for better safety.
- A nine-inch side display is the centre of the vehicle information system. Controllable using touch functionality or buttons on steering provides drivers a safe and convenient way to interact with the system.
