USA / Sweden – Volvo Group North America (“VGNA”) of Greensboro, North Carolina, USA has launched the next-generation of its VNR Electric Class 7-8 truck for the North American market, providing a greater range and a broader set of configurations. The next-generation model, which is now available for order, is set to be produced beginning in the second quarter of this year. 

Major enhancements have been made to the battery system, providing up to a 40% increase in the storage capacity of each package option. Customers can now select a six-battery package in addition to the four-battery option, providing 565 kWh of storage capacity. Furthermore, the battery pack is now supported by a dedicated thermal management system. The operational range of the largest battery option is up to 440km, a considerable increase over the 240km offered by the first-generation model. Charging time has also been reduced with 250 kW charging enabled: the six-battery pack can reportedly be charged to 80% in 90 minutes, while the four-battery pack takes 60 minutes.