Volvo Trucks Wants to see Fewer Trucks in Urban Rush-Hour Traffic

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STOCKHOLM, January 23, 2018 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

In 2019 Volvo Trucks will start selling electric trucks in Europe, and the

first units will be put into operation together with selected reference

customers already this year. Electric trucks drastically reduce noise and

exhaust emissions and open up new ways to manage logistics. More transport

assignments can be carried out at night and fewer trucks need to compete for

road space during rush-hour.  

" Electromobility is fully in line with Volvo Trucks long-term commitment for

sustainable urban development and zero emissions", says Claes Nilsson,

President Volvo Trucks.

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"By using electrically powered and quieter trucks for goods transport in urban

areas, we meet several challenges simultaneously. Without disturbing noise and

exhaust gases, it will be possible to operate in more sensitive city centres.

Transport may also take place throughout less busy periods, for example in late

evening and at night. This will reduce the burden on the roads during daytime

rush-hour traffic, allowing both the road network and vehicles to be utilised

far more effectively than today," says Claes Nilsson.

A recent project, Off Peak City Distribution, conducted by Stockholm City,

Sweden and KTH Royal Institute of Technology studied the effects of goods

transport at night in central Stockholm. Since the trucks avoided having to

operate in rush-hour traffic, transport assignments were carried out in

one-third of the normal time.

In order to improve the quality of life in urban environments, more sustainable

transport solutions need to be adopted. With well-developed logistics and more

effective utilisation of roads in the evenings and at night, it is also

possible for many smaller vehicles to be replaced by fewer but larger vehicles,

thus further contributing to lower emissions and lesstraffic. A distribution

truck has just over ten times the load capacity of a regular van. If a larger

proportion of transport assignments could be carried out during hours when

fewer people are on the road, this will also significantly reduce  the risk of

accidents.

"Our technology and know-how within electromobility are based on proven

commercial solutions already in use on Volvo's electric buses, and solutions

that were introduced in Volvo's hybrid trucks as far back as 2010. The vehicles

themselves are only one part of what is needed for large-scale electrification

to succeed. Enabling long term sustainable transport is a complex issue that

requires a holistic and wide range of  measures. We are working closely with

customers, cities, suppliers of charging infrastructure and other key

stakeholders to create the necessary  framework for electrical trucks," says

Jonas Odermalm, Head of product strategy medium duty vehicles.

"We believe in full electrification for urban distribution as a first step.

However we are working with electrification for  other transport applications.

This is only the beginning", concludes  Claes Nilsson.

Background

According to the World Health Organization and the UN, 60 per cent of the

planet's population - about 5 billion people - will live in cities by 2030.

This is an increase of just over 1 billion compared with current levels. This

swift pace of urbanisation will impose immense demands on traffic systems,

which in many cases are already insufficient to meet current needs. Within the

EU it is estimated that congestion and related traffic problems cost about 100

billion euros per year.

Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and

demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks.

Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,000 dealers and workshops

in more than 120 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 15 countries across

the globe. In 2016, more than 102,800 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide.

Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers

of trucks, buses and construction equipment and marine and industrial engines.

The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo's work is

based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

For further information, please contact:

Fredrik Klevenfeldt

Director Public Relations and Social Media

Volvo Trucks

Tel: +46-31- 322-1106; email:fredrik.klevenfeldt@volvo.com

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/631537/Volvo_Electric_Trucks.jpg )

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8259351-volvo-trucks-urban-rush-hour-traffic/

Source: Volvo Trucks