Along with many other countries, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is underway in Malaysia. It has gained added impetus with the duty-free incentive offered by the government to encourage faster adoption of EVs.
First in the region
While much attention has been on the passenger vehicle segment, there is also a shift starting in the commercial vehicle segment. There are now fully electric heavy-duty prime movers available from Volvo Trucks Malaysia, the first such electrified vehicles to be launched in the Southeast Asian region.
Malaysia must be special to the Swedish carmaker which first arrived in the early 1960s and was the first carmaker to set up an assembly plant. This was followed by regular investments and today, Malaysia is the regional production hub for Volvo Cars and exports locally-assembled EVs. The large commercial trucks business is, however, handled separately by Volvo Trucks Malaysia.
Multiple configurations available
The range of Volvo electric trucks consists the Volvo FM, FH, and FMX, available multiple axle configurations for various applications and segments.
There are also various energy storage options with battery capacities of up to 540 kWh that can give a range of up to 300 kms.
Commercial vehicles should be on the move all the time so recharging has to be as fast as possible. With high-speed DC charging (maximum 250 kW), the time to fully recharge the battery packs is just under 2 hours. Using an AC charging point (maximum 43 kW), the estimated time required will be10 hours.
50% less energy consumption
Based on independent tests, the electric truck has the potential to use 50% less energy compared to a Volvo FH diesel-powered engine under similar driving conditions, thus providing businesses more economical running costs to cover the same distance.
Better for drivers too
With fully electric drivetrains, the drivers who typically spend long hours in the cab also have a better working environment as there are no vibrations and virtually no engine noise.
And with zero exhaust emissions, Volvo’s electric trucks promote low climate impact when electricity from renewable sources is used.
Electric trucks also pave the way for new logistic opportunities, such as the possibility of goods being transported early in the morning or at night with lower noise impact and even deliveries right into buildings.
