How Volvo Trucks is Electrifying Global Commercial Traffic

Heavy-duty transport remains one of the toughest sectors to decarbonise, accounting for around 5% of global CO₂-equivalent emissions, according to the World Economic Forum.

Every electrified kilometre helps to reduce this footprint.

Since launching its first battery-electric trucks in 2019, Volvo Trucks’ electric fleet has covered more than 250 million kilometres in commercial operations worldwide.
That distance – equal to over 6,200 laps around the globe – shows how the electrification of heavy transport has evolved from pilot schemes into proven large-scale deployment.

“It’s great to see this development and how transport companies are embracing the benefits from using electric trucks in daily operations. Electric trucks are cutting emissions and providing a more comfortable and quieter working environment for drivers,” says Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks.

“Still, we all know that the shift to electric is going way too slowly. We lack the market conditions that would make it profitable for all transport companies to decarbonise transport. This must change if we are to see more electric trucks on the road.”

Decarbonising commercial traffic

Electric trucks play a vital role in reducing emissions across global logistics networks.

Replacing diesel-powered models with electric alternatives over 250 million kilometres would have consumed more than 78 million litres of fuel. Instead, Volvo’s electric fleet has collectively avoided about 213,000 tonnes of tailpipe CO₂ emissions.

Beyond emission cuts, quieter operation and zero exhaust emissions also improve quality of life in urban areas—especially as cities tighten low-emission zones around delivery routes.

Decarbonising freight extends beyond vehicle technology: it relies on renewable energy for charging, smarter route planning, and stabilising power grids through managed infrastructure.

As governments and logistics operators accelerate progress toward net zero targets, wider electric truck adoption is reshaping the economics of sustainable freight.

Volvo’s electric truck range

Volvo offers eight specialised electric models to meet varying transport requirements. These include the Volvo FL Electric and FE Electric for city distribution and waste management; the FM Electric and FM Low Entry for regional haulage; the FMX Electric for construction; and the flagship FH Electric and FH Aero Electric for long-haul transport.

In North America, the Volvo VNR Electric meets regional freight demands where rapid charging and reliability are key.

Each model draws on decades of Volvo Trucks’ powertrain expertise and fleet management innovation. The company’s mastery in energy optimisation, charging efficiency, and electric drivetrain servicing positions it as a leader in sustainable heavy transport.

Looking ahead, Volvo plans to expand its line-up.
In 2026, it will introduce a new heavy-duty electric truck capable of up to 600 kilometres per charge—pushing zero-emission transport into routes historically reliant on diesel.

The demand for commercial EVs

Volvo’s electric trucks are now a common sight across key markets including Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United States—countries advancing through supportive infrastructure and climate policies.

This milestone underscores Volvo’s operational maturity in electrification.

Since 2019, its trucks have demonstrated reliability in diverse conditions while delivering real-world performance data to drive future innovation. From logistics to construction and municipal services, customers are proving that electrification enhances efficiency without sacrificing capability.

Dual-track decarbonisation strategy

Volvo Trucks’ path to climate neutrality by 2040 follows a dual-track approach.

Alongside its battery-electric portfolio, the company continues developing fuel-cell electric trucks powered by hydrogen and combustion engines that run on renewable fuels such as biogas and hydrogen.

This parallel progress enables customers in regions with differing energy infrastructure to transition from fossil-fuel dependency effectively.
By combining scalable battery-electric technology with hydrogen-based innovation, Volvo aims to accelerate the global freight sector’s journey toward net zero.