Challenge, this word applies to electromobility, but especially to its truck division. Before we discuss this theoretically, here's a post by Volvo Trucks presented at the IAA Hannover. Two electric motors drive the conventional rear axle via a two-speed gearbox.

The division of the engines comes from the two applications that have been undertaken at Volvo Trucks. These include both the Model FL and the FE Electric. The first one has 16 tons, the latter 27 tons gross vehicle weight. So they can equip the lighter model with only one, the stronger with two engines.

The performances of the engines are absolutely the same, permanently 130 kW (177 hp) each with a boost function of 45 kW (61 hp) extra. The technology was taken over by the bus, which already in 4,000 copies exists. Each engine has up to 425 Nm of torque. With DC (CCS2) they are promised to be charged with 150 kW (80 percent )in one hour.

But that does not mean that a 300kWh fully depleted truck would be fully recharged in 2 hours, even if charging with 150 kW would be possible. With alternating current e.g. 22 kW charging current is possible during operation. Again, the last 20 percent take much longer time.

For better utilization of the torque both variants have a two-speed gearbox. The overall ratio is more than 30: 1. Electric trucks are significantly quieter than theirs Diesel variants on the way, so could also drive at night environmentally friendly. In the city delivery points are possible. In general, with a maximum range of 200 km the trucks are made for distribution and urban tasks (picture above).

In this picture you can trace the conversion to electric drive. Engine and gear go out and from the cardan shaft only a small piece remains. At the rear axle probably changes the transmission ratio. Changed are electric power steering and compressors for brake and possibly the air conditioning needed.

Both Volvo Truck variants should already be available from 2019, so could in Germany on a huge, heavily subsidized by the federal government demand for city air There are fewer nitrogen oxides, especially as German manufacturers in the field of e-trucks, e-buses and above all natural gas trucks are still too timid.

Purely electrically powered trucks still have the problem of higher payload. With full equipment of 300 kWh, 3,120 kg load the frame, while the loss of engine and gearbox only make up about a third of it. Accordingly limited then the payload. After all, you can also order less than 300 kwh, but loses range accordingly.

In addition to less noise lower vibrations of the electric car are highlighted. If the loading and unloading or the construction of an urban vehicle function equally quietly, operations at night beyond the traffic peaks would be conceivable, loading and unloading also possible in closed rooms.