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DUBLIN (Va.) — Volvo Trucks North America gave reporters a first look at the next configuration of their flagship Class 8 VNL tractor, a VNL-440 Electric, during a media conference held at its customers centre.
The truck manufacturer debuted on June 20, a pre-production version of the regional haul semi. It is a 42-inch sleeper model with a mid-roof that represents a major advancement for its BEV Portfolio in North America, and the first VNL version without an internal combustion motor.
The redesigned VNL was launched in January. It will serve as a platform for the Swedish original manufacturer’s over the road range in North America. Hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen-injection engines are also planned.
Magnus Koeck, VTNA Vice-President of Strategy, Marketing and Brand Management, told Transport Topics that orders for the VNL Electric should open in 2025, or at the start of 2026.
Volvo unveiled a prototype of its regional haul semi. (Keiron Greenhalgh/Transport Topics)
Koeck said that the trucks will be manufactured at VTNA’s New River Valley facility, which was remodeled for $400 million in preparation for the launch of VNL.
He said that each VNL Electric will use proprietary eAxles.
Koeck told TT that Batteries will be supplied for the trucks by the manufacturing facilities that were once part of Proterra group. VTNA’s parent Volvo Group purchased battery manufacturer Proterra Powered for $210m in November after its parent company filed bankruptcy in August.
The battery production facility is located in Greer (S.C.).
VTNA’s battery-electric range currently consists of five VNR models: a straight truck (4×2), a truck (6×4), a tractor (4×2), a tractor (6×2) and a tractor (6×4).
@TransportTopics and I secured some exclusive shots of @VolvoTrucksNA upcoming VNL-440 Electric semi today in Dublin, VA! pic.twitter.com/gy0Ji3XslB — Keiron Greenhalgh (@kginalex) June 20, 2024
VTNA customers have the option to order six configurations: the VNL 300, the 440 and the VNL 640 62″ midroof-sleeper, as well as the VNL 660 62″ full-height-sleeper, the VNL 840 74″ midroof-sleeper, and the VNL 850 74 inch full-height-sleeper.
VTNA opened its order book in April for a diesel powered version of the VNL. Production is expected to begin later this summer, and deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.
The VNL first appeared at the 2024 Technology & Maintenance Council Annual meeting and Transport Technology Exhibition in March. TMC is a part of American Trucking Associations.
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