Volvo's Collaboration to Advance Electric Truck Charging

Volvo is trying to advance the commercial fleet appeal of its heavy-duty battery-electric trucks in Europe by advancing fast-charging infrastructure.

Its energy storage business, Volvo Penta, is providing its battery storage subsystem to other battery-energy storage system (BESS) manufacturers entering the vehicle charging infrastructure market. Its latest move sees a collaboration with TecnoGen, part of the Bruno Generators Group (BRG), to support charging infrastructure for electric heavy-duty vehicles.

Volvo says robust charging is essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and industrial applications. While currently aiming at battery-electric vehicle (BEV) charging, Volvo Penta’s mission adopts a multi-solution approach spanning the adoption of alternative internal combustion fuels, electrification of off-highway applications, battery energy storage subsystems and fuel cell technology development.

However, by promoting fast charging for heavy-duty trucks, Volvo will be making its own BEV products more attractive to fleet managers wanting to exploit the commercial advantages of vehicles that require much less maintenance costs than their ICE counterparts.

Ilenia Procicchiani, industrial sales manager at Volvo Penta, says: “This collaboration signifies a critical milestone in our pursuit of sustainable solutions, diversifying our BESS competencies. Together, we aim to drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of BESS-driven charging infrastructure, ultimately playing a pivotal role in achieving a net-zero future.”