Volvo is set to commence the production of the Class 8 VNR Electric, which is an obvious competitor of the Tesla Semi. The all-electric commercial hauler, designed for specific use in the United States and North America, will be assembled starting in the first months of 2021 and its maker is already accepting orders.
The VNR Electric will be offered in three configurations: the single-axle straight truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 33,200 pounds, the 4x2 tractor configuration with a 66,000-pound GCWR, and the 6x2 with up to 82,000-pound of GCWR in specific applications.
Volvo said the electric truck is EPA-certified for commercial release across America and is specifically engineered as a sustainable solution for trucking operators both in the U.S. and the North American region.
According to the Business Journal, Volvo deems the VNR Electric as a giant step to achieve "sustainable electromobility." The company takes pride in the fact that while the heavy-duty vehicle boasts of modern functionalities, it is designed for intuitive use and the cost of ownership is relatively accessible although Volvo has yet to publish the official pricing.
Also, Volvo reported that after more than a year of putting the VNR Electric to a real-world test in California, the feedbacks that were returned have been encouraging. Business owners and drivers alike gave their seal of approval for the monster EV's commercial viability.
It should be noted that the electric truck is the result of research, development, and actual testing that stretched for more than three years. The commercial model that Volvo will roll out will be packed with a 264kWh battery, which Electrek said is a downgrade from the original 300kWh battery pack.
The scale down, however, will still deliver the maximum performance targeted by Volvo. The VNR Electric's drivetrain will generate 455 horsepower and 4,051 pound-feet of torque. The operating range is estimated to reach up to 150 miles per charge and juicing up the lithium-ion batteries will amount to 80% of stored energy in just 70 minutes.
The VNR Electric engineering includes advanced battery chemistry that promises more power with no additional cost. The modern truck will likewise feature self-learning controls, which according to Volvo will optimize the use of energy.
Volvo will manufacture the VNR Electric in Dublin, Virginia, and the automaker guarantees that the units rolling out will be beastly haulers and safe at the same time. All trucks will be released with Volvo's safety features such as Lane Departure Warning and Active Driver Assist.
Notably, the VNR Electric will impress with its quiet and clean operation as the electric truck will do away with the diesel engines that contribute to air and noise pollutions.
