Gulf Construction Online - Volvo rolls out region’s first heavy-duty e-truck

Manufacturers & Procurement

Officials at the launch of the Volvo FH heavy-duty electric truck in Dubai.

Volvo rolls out region’s first heavy-duty e-truck

01 July 2023

The Middle East’s first-ever heavy-duty electric truck – a Volvo FH – was unveiled last month in Dubai by UAE-based Al Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (Famco).

The new Volvo FH heavy-duty electric truck, which has a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 44 tons, has a rapid charging time of 2.5 hours (DC)/9.5 hours (AC). It offers an impressive range of up to 300 km and an exceptional driveline performance of up to 490 kW/666 hp, says the leading UAE-based heavy vehicle and machinery importer.

Famco, the sole UAE distributor for Volvo trucks, buses and construction equipment, says the launch of the region’s first-ever heavy-duty electric truck reinforces its position as a pioneer in the market and its commitment to sustainable solutions in transportation. It also represents a significant stride towards reducing transportation-related emissions to zero, aligning with the UAE’s sustainable development strategy as the country prepares to host the COP28 in November, it adds.

The launch of the electric truck was held at AlSerkal Avenue – Concrete, which was attended by top executives, business CEOs as well as partners.

Speaking at the launch, Famco Managing Director Ramez Hamdan said: “Famco is part of the Al-Futtaim Automotive Group which continues to introduce new products and services to keep the UAE moving towards building a more sustainable future of mobility and support the country’s net-zero 2050 strategic goals. While we currently offer a wide range of hybrid and electric vehicles, the launch of the first-ever heavy-duty electric truck range by Volvo represents a huge leap into a greener future.”

“Through investing in Volvo’s electric trucks, business partners can, not only electrify their fleets but also, become pioneers in the green transportation movement, and eventually, a better future for us all,” Hamdan added.

Volvo offers a full range of electric trucks that are tested and available for purchase, as the first truck was already sold to the FMCG giant Unilever, for its UAE operations.

Ahmed Kadous, Unilever’s Head of Supply Chain Mena and Personal Care Category in the Middle East and Turkey, said: “We are committed to achieving net zero emissions throughout our value chain by 2039. Logistics will play a crucial role in achieving this ambition as it contributes up to 15 per cent of our emissions. To achieve this, we want to push our business beyond its current limits to see how we can address the current environmental crisis.”

“This is why we are pioneering the green transportation movement in the UAE, and this electric truck forms the second addition to our delivery fleet. Earlier in March, we added the first electric van to our UAE delivery fleet, which was also the first in the UAE,” he added.

Established in the UAE in 1978, Famco serves a diverse range of industries and commercial businesses across the transportation, construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, warehousing, and marine sectors. Its portfolio includes trucks and buses, construction equipment, storage and handling, power and industrial, marine solutions, rental and used equipment and financial services.

Famco is also exclusive distributor for internationally renowned industry heavyweights, Yanmar, Doosan, Himonisa, AGG, SDLG, Ingersoll Rand and Linde.

Meanwhile, Volvo Trucks is now introducing new, more powerful batteries for its medium-duty electric trucks, which offer 42 per cent extra energy capacity and can, as a result, deliver up to 450 km total range from one charge.

Thanks to the more powerful batteries in Volvo’s medium-duty truck range, the Volvo FL and Volvo FE Electric, it is now possible to speed up the transition to quieter and cleaner city transports. This means that the trucks can handle most types of routes and assignments in urban areas, as well as providing power for equipment for energy-consuming assignments like refuse handling or city construction.

“With a range of up to 450 km, our electric trucks are ready to replace our customers’ entire fleet of diesel city trucks. Volvo FL and FE Electric produce minimal emissions and noise, which benefits the climate, the driver and everyone that lives and moves about in the city,” says Jessica Sandström, Senior Vice President Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

The updated Volvo FL and FE Electric are available to order now, for delivery in the autumn of 2023.