Electrifying heavy-duty logistics: succesful test with 50-tonnes truck

By Elcke Vels

Logistics service provider Simon Loos has successfully tested a 50-tonne Volvo FH Electric truck as a Long and Heavy Vehicle Combination (LZV), demonstrating the potential of electric trucks for heavy loads. The two-day test involved driving between Pepsico and Kuehne+Nagel to assess performance, marking the truck as the first Volvo electric model approved for LZV operations. This test signals a shift in the logistics industry towards more sustainable solutions.

Pushing the boundaries of electric vehicles

Transitioning to electric vehicles is not a new concept, but the push into heavier loads and longer distances is a relatively new development. Simon Loos is not the first to venture into this territory. There have been previous attempts to utilise electric trucks for heavy-duty operations, with varying degrees of success.

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Previous attempts: Tesla and Daimler

Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla announced its Semi truck in 2017, boasting a maximum load capacity of over 36 tonnes. The Tesla Semi promised a range of up to 800 kilometres on a single charge for the top variant, and a recharge time of 30 minutes for 80% battery capacity. However, the Semi has faced various production delays, and as of yet, the truck has not entered full-scale production. Despite the obstacles, the Tesla Semi exemplified the potential of electric vehicles in heavy transport, sparking interest and competition within the industry.

Another prominent player in the field is Daimler. In 2018, the company introduced the eCascadia, a heavy-duty electric truck with a maximum load capacity of 36 tonnes, similar to the Tesla Semi. The eCascadia, however, has a significantly shorter range of 400 kilometres. Despite the lower range, Daimler began production in late 2022, and the eCascadia is currently in use in select markets. While the truck’s lower range compared to the Tesla Semi may seem like a disadvantage, the eCascadia is a practical solution for many logistics operations, proving that heavy-duty electric vehicles are not only feasible but are already in operation.

Looking forward

The testing of the 50-tonne Volvo FH Electric truck by Simon Loos, along with the developments from Tesla and Daimler, is a clear sign of the industry’s shift towards more sustainable solutions. While each of these companies is at a different stage in the process, they all share a common goal: to reduce the environmental footprint of the logistics industry.