Volvo Offers Sneak-Peek of All-New Class 8 Electric Tractor

Volvo is a company committed to safety, efficiency, and the environment, according to Magnus Koeck, vice president, brand marketing for Volvo Trucks North America, speaking to a gathering of trucking media at the company’s Technology Summit in Dublin, Viriginia. He followed up his claim by highlighting a host of new technologies, products, and upgrades to existing vehicle systems that will begin appearing on Volvo Class 8 trucks beginning next year, including a more fuel-efficient engine, improved active safety system, and that it’s bringing its Dynamic Steering to the U.S.

But the surprise of the day was the unveiling of a brand-new electric truck. This was not the medium-duty FE Electric model Volvo showcased last year (and which is now undergoing evaluations on the West Coast). No, the company unveiled a new, Class 8 electric version of its VNR regional haul tractor that Koeck said will go into  production some time in 2020.

Details on the truck were sparse. We did learn that the truck has a conventional Volvo I-Shift automated transmission optimized for electric powertrains, with large battery packs mounted on the frame rail ahead of the drive tires.