It begins: electric articulated haul trucks reach series production [video]

In a move that Volvo is calling a world’s first, the company has begun regular production of its new A30 and A40 Electric model articulated haul trucks – making the first time electric articulated haulers of this size have moved from a pilot stage into serial production.

First shown at last year’s Bauma construction show, the game-changing Volvo A30 Electric articulated hauler promised promised to be both the first vehicle of its kind in what is both a key industrial segment for Volvo and a milestone for BEVs once it reached production. Now, that time has come.

“Starting serial production of electric articulated haulers of this size is a proud moment for Volvo CE,” explains Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE. “It shows that our ambition to lead the transformation of our industry is backed by real execution. This milestone proves that electric solutions are ready to meet the demands of heavy, high-productivity applications, and that meaningful change is underway.”

Rolling down the line

The new Volvo A30 Electric offers a 64,000 lb. (29 tonnes) or 23.3 cubic yard payload capacity and “full day” operation thanks to its 245 kWh li-ion battery pack. The A40 Electric takes things a step further, offering the same all-day performance from its 324 kWh pack, with an 86,000 lb. (39 tonnes) or 31 cubic yard payload capacity.

Both the A30 and A40 Electric are motivated by the same 350 kW (~470 hp) electric motors, with power going through a torque-amplifying gear reduction gearbox. Depending on how you do the math, peak “at the wheel” torque numbers are well over 200,000 lb-ft – more than enough, in other words, to match the performance of diesel and possibly enough to have a measurable impact on the rotational speed of the planet.

Charging is by conventional CCS, and both machines can be charged at speeds of up to 200 kW – lightning-fast in the domain of electric construction and mining equipment and quick enough to go from 10-80% charge in between operator shift changes.

The first machines rolling off the production line will be delivered to customers in the UK and Norway in the coming weeks, with additional deliveries to select European customers planned for the second half of 2026.

Electrek’s Take

The articulated hauler segment is especially meaningful to the engineers at Volvo CE, as the company invented the class with the launch of “Gravel Charlie,” the industry’s first articulated haul truck, all the way back in 1966. As such, you can expect them to really care about this one, and put in some extra effort into getting it right.

“There is a real sense of pride in seeing this move from ambition to reality,” offers Fredrik Tjernström, an Electromobility Solutions Sales expert at Volvo CE. “Not just because we are first, but because we are delivering exactly as promised. Customer interest since Bauma has been strong, with demand extending beyond the initial production schedule.”

SOURCE | IMAGES: Volvo CE.

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