Volvo Supplier Replaces 7 Diesel Trucks With Zero-Emission VNR Electric Trucks
Ryder System, Inc. services the Volvo Group’s truck assembly operations in Pennsylvania, a job that involves completing eight round trips daily and delivering assembly kits to the nearby kitting facility at Mack Trucks’ Lehigh Valley Operations (LVO) plant. As of this month, the local supply chain route is undertaken with zero tailpipe emissions thanks to Ryder System’s recent upgrade to Volvo VNR Electric trucks.
“Ryder has been a long-standing leader in integrating alternative fuel vehicles into our fleet with a goal of driving more sustainable solutions for our customers,” says Steve Sensing, Ryder president for supply chain solutions. “The work that Volvo Trucks has done to accelerate Class 8 battery-electric technology is impressive, with successful working fleets.”
VNR Electric Particulars
Volvo’s VNR Electric has a range of 175 to 275 miles (282 to 443 kilometers), depending on the model and battery pack option. VNR Electric tractors are available with 4x2, 6x2, or 6x4 axle configurations and straight trucks are sold with two or three axles. The product lineup ranges up to 82,000 pounds (37,200 kilograms) of gross combination weight (GCW).
The electric motor powering the VNR Electric produces 340 kilowatts (455 horsepower) and up to 4,051 pounds-foot (5,492 newton-meters) of torque. Its Volvo I-Shift two-speed automated manual transmission provides smooth, optimal gear shifts. The truck’s top speed is 68 mph (109 km/h).
Latest Battery Technology
Volvo upgraded the VNR Electric this January with new battery technology, design enhancements, and better power management. The end result was a 40% increase in storage capacity per battery. One of the major updates involved the VNR Electric’s charging time; the new VNR Electric allows for 250-kW charging that delivers an 80% charge in 90 minutes (six-battery package) or 60 minutes (four-battery package). Ryder’s delivery route will initially use five mobile 50-kW chargers at the LVO plant, and these chargers will eventually be replaced with five 100-kW chargers and one 150-kW charger.
Source: Volvo