In a worldwide event, Volvo Trucks talk about the electric mobility and how to speed up the transition in the world of transport. A key step for the future of mobility, a technological revolution that Volvo Trucks has already started from 2019.
Volvo Trucks invests in electric mobility
The world of transport is changing. The electric revolution has already begun, a turning point made necessary to combat climate change but which also brings possible strategic and economic advantages. Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks talks about the event organized today and explains: “With this initiative we intend to encourage operators and buyers of transport services to undertake their first important steps towards electric mobility. Offering fossil fuel-free transport will be essential to remain competitive ”.
Competitiveness and energy saving, two elements that must go hand in hand in the future of mobility. But in a process that is still complex to analyze and with different possible strategies to put into practice. As Alm explains: “We are the pioneers of electric transport and we are working hard to promote this indispensable technological evolution. Many pieces of the puzzle are now falling into place and this allows more traders to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The scheduled event will explain how to complete the process ”.
At today’s event, in addition to the president of Volvo Trucks, several companies that work with transport on a global scale, such as Amazon and IKEA. But also executives of DFDS for Europe and Manhattan Beer Distributors In the USA. But there have also been interventions on government measures such as those taken by Germany to support the conversion to electric.
Electric mobility is a priority for Volvo Trucks
At today’s event Jessica Sandström from Volvo Trucks explained how this change in technology is a necessity. The starting point is one and it is fundamental: currently the 7% of CO2 production comes from road transport. The solution therefore must come from the leaders of this sector. And Volvo Trucks doesn’t seem willing to back down. In 2040, Volvo Trucks will be completely fossil free, after a first step to 50% in 2030. But it is not enough just to think about emissions. Volvo is also committed to battery recycling, to really cut down on pollution.
At the same time, Volvo Trucks realizes that for some of its customers it will have to find different solutions. Electric is the goal to reduce emissions but there are particularly heavy or long-range vehicles that will also need other technologies.
However, the vehicle supplier can only go so far: it is also the transport and logistics companies that need to understand the urgency of this switch to electric. But also of great economic potential. However, the company does not hide: in the beginning it will be more costly. Not only for the replacement of the fleet but also for the installation of the charging stations. Starting earlier, however, could give a strategic advantage that should not be underestimated. And then there are possible strategies and systems of use that can allow everyone to invest in this sector.
Ikea and Amazon explain the commercial advantage of having green transport
To demonstrate the economic potential of this type of resource, Volvo wanted to sit on some armchairs of Ikea, the Swedish giant known throughout the world. They then spoke with Angela Hultberg, in charge of the sustainability of Ikea, also determined to invest in green transport. The leading furniture company wants to do only 100% green deliveries by 2025, which is just around the corner.
The advantage of focusing on the electric allows Ikea to also access zero-emission areas. Because if they don’t bring their customers home, they no longer have the ability to sell online (or they have to limit them a lot). They therefore had to invest in the installation of chargers for electric vehicles to transform Ikea’s deliveries in more than 20 countries. In China there are already 90% of green deliveries. By focusing on the best solutions, not waiting for perfect strategies. The economic advantage is given by having arrived before the others.
But also the benefit for the environment: Hultberg explains that “we are not at all in line” as a company to stop global warming and we need to act now.
Old Helder instead he explained how Amazon is willing to become net zero carbon by 2040. For transport it has already arranged Amazon’s 100,000 electric vehicles in Europe, e-cargo bikes and many other green vehicles. But even thinking transport must become electric in order for Amazon to meet the ambitious goals it has set for itself. An investment in the infrastructure that needs the collaboration also of the supply chain: even the largest company in the world cannot do it alone.
Crossing the Atlantic, those of Manhattan Beer Distributors they explained how it is possible to invest in electricity even without being commercial giants like Ikea and Amazon. By delivering beers to the New York metropolitan area, they started small to then aim to expand its electric fleet in the future. A different strategy, but equally far-sighted, making the most of the available resources.
An advantage for drivers and for companies
In addition to being an economic benefit for companies, there are also clear benefits for drivers. First of all, less vibrations and less noises, which allow you to make your work more relaxing. Advantages already seen in the lines Volvo FL e Volvo FE Electric. But that you will soon be able to find also in the lines FH, FM FMX Eletric, whose production begins in the second half of 2022.
There are also options of short-term rental for those who want to try new technologies, and then move on to hybrid solutions to find the best implementation strategy in the fleet of each type of company. Such an important change it must be company-friendly and this is what Volvo Trucks is aiming for.
Magnus Broback then joined some executives from DFDS to explain how the implementation of charging stations can also follow different strategies. For instance charging at night, automatically, without the driver wasting time in “filling the tank” during working hours. Another good time for recharging is during operations load/I unload. Volvo Trucks can provide overnight charging stations for those in need in Europe.
Finally, Volvo Trucks explained how the next step must also be structural. Volvo Trucks is working to provide complete solutions to transport companies and deliverers, as well as working to recycle batteries and install charging stations. But there is a need to work with the institutions to have a 100% green logistics and transport network.