Volvo Trucks Malaysia (Volvo Trucks) previews its fully electric heavy duty prime movers in Malaysia which are the first to be launched in Southeast Asia with Two Units already bought by Swift Haulage Berhad

Today, the 11th of July 2023, marked a historic day in terms of Malaysian automotive history. Volvo Trucks Malaysia (Volvo Trucks) officially launched their fully electric FM Series heavy duty prime movers in Malaysia. These are the first electric heavy duty prime mover series of trucks to be launched in Southeast Asia and also the first to be adopted by an operator in the region where integrated logistics provider, Swift Haulage Berhad had purchased two units of the model. The announcement at the media preview this afternoon was made at the Volvo Trucks headquarters in Shah Alam shows off the Volvo Trucks' role in accelerating the industry’s transition to electromobility, in line with the nation’s net zero carbon ambitions. 

The  launch marked the official entry of the Volvo FM, FH, and FMX fully electric models into Malaysia. The Volvo electric prime movers are designed with multiple axle configurations for various applications and segments (eg 4x2, 4x4, 6x2 etc). This is mirrored by variable battery configurations available with a total energy storage of up to ~540kWh. The trucks also have a projected travel range of up to 300km. With regards to charging, an alternating current (AC) on-board charger (43 kW) will require an estimated ten hours to charge the battery from empty to full. Meanwhile, with a direct current (DC) charger (max 250 kW), charging time can be reduced to just under two hours.

 

Based on independent tests, the Volvo electric truck has the potential to use 50% less energy compared to a Volvo FH diesel-powered engine under similar driving conditions, thus providing businesses with better fuel economy to cover the same distance.

When you take into account the view of truck drivers who typically work long hours on shifts, Volvo electric trucks have no frequent low engine noise and no vibrations in the cabin as the electric powertrain is basically quiet and lacks any mechanical vibration. This feature elevates safety as drivers are able to register sounds around the truck and can communicate with colleagues easily, like for example, those working around the exterior of the truck. The result is a relaxed environment for drivers of prime movers where there are less fatigue derived from vibration and noise. 

Add zero exhaust emissions, these electric trucks promote low climate impact when electricity from renewable sources is used. Electric trucks also pave the way for new logistic opportunities, such as the possibility of goods being transported early in the morning or at night with lower noise impact and even indoor deliveries.

Aside from the above, it is basically about sustainability in doing the business in the long run with an emphasis of preserving the environment in the long run. 

“Sustainability is our reality and the transition to electricity is not a matter of choice but a demand of the times. Our leadership in electromobility demonstrates Volvo Trucks' commitment to people and safety as well as carbon reduction in terms of environmental protection," explains Volvo Trucks International Vice President, Truck Sales and Marketing, Johan Selvėn.

 

“The transportation and logistics segments are critical areas to address in the race towards net zero carbon. We are thrilled to introduce the technology behind our fully electric prime movers which supports low climate impact, enhances safety for road users and creates a better working environment for drivers.  While the road to decarbonization is challenging, we continue to share our expertise around sustainable energy adoption and addressing infrastructure challenges through our government and industry partnerships,” said Volvo Trucks Malaysia Managing Director, Anthony O’Connell.

Decarbonizing the transportation and logistics segment

In its overview presentation of the industry, Volvo Trucks highlighted that the emissions from one heavy-duty truck are equivalent to emissions from up to 47 units of passenger vehicles. The comparative analysis indicated a greater need for stakeholders at the policy level through to the operational level to design an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem that is conducive and attractive to players in the transportation and logistics segment.

“The Government is aware that the adoption for commercial EVs such as trucks and busses is still low in Malaysia. As such, we commend Volvo Trucks’ leadership, commitment and investment in making the logistics industry more sustainable, particularly in supporting our New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s net zero agenda. Volvo Trucks’ technology-sharing will also help advance the collective knowledge on commercial EV’s in Malaysia, paving the way for a more vibrant EV industry that could tap into ASEAN’s USD2.7-billion EV potential by 2027, enhance our domestic SME EV supply chain and provide higher-paying jobs for Malaysians,” said Tengku Zafrul.

 

“On this front, we thank Volvo Trucks for your continuous efforts to help the segment in its transition to adopt greener commercial vehicle fleets,” YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

 

“Sustainability is and has always been a top priority for Swift. I am proud to announce that Swift will be the first haulage company in Malaysia to acquire and incorporate electric prime movers into our fleet. We believe this technology will revolutionize the industry, and we are excited to lead the way towards a brighter, more efficient, and greener future. Looking forward, we are committed to convert the majority of our fleet to EVs by 2030,”  Swift Haulage Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer, Loo Yong Hui.

 

 

Building Malaysia’s Electric Ecosystem

Volvo Trucks believes that a multi-stakeholder approach is the key to building Malaysia’s electric ecosystem. In this spirit, the Swedish truck maker is working closely with government agencies, energy providers and partners such as the Malaysian Green Technology And Climate Change (MGTC) to help address infrastructure challenges. This includes collaborating with highway concessionaire, PLUS Expressways Berhad, to provide technical knowledge for commercial vehicle charging infrastructure.

 

Through its collaboration with MGTC, Volvo Trucks will be registered under the MyHijau directory, a government initiative to promote the sourcing and purchasing of green products and services by various industry players in Malaysia. Volvo Electric Trucks is set to receive the MyHIJAU mark of recognition, which is a green product recognition scheme in Malaysia according to safety, quality and performance standards by MGTC. Being part of the MyHijau mark, companies purchasing Volvo Electric Trucks will be eligible to benefit from green technology tax incentive programs such as the Green Investment Technology Allowance (GITA).

 

Secondly, Volvo Trucks provides a total cost of ownership analysis to potential customers based on customizable logistic needs. Thirdly, Volvo Trucks leverages its cutting-edge technology to provide training and support to educate truck operators, drivers, and maintenance personnel on EV technology, maintenance procedures, and best practices. 

Volvo Trucks works closely with customers to develop tailored solutions, such as flexible financing options by financial institutions. Efforts also include creating partnerships with companies in the renewable energy sector to provide sustainable charging solutions.

 

With the government’s commitment to install more charging stations by 2025, Volvo Trucks hopes for greater consideration of the transportation and logistics industry which serves as the economic lifeline of the nation. Volvo Trucks is also encouraged by the growing interest presently generated from the Malaysian market, particularly the logistics segment, following the debut of its electric prime movers.

So Why Did Swift Haulage Decide to Operate The Electric Prime Movers as First Adopters?

Sustainability towards the whole ecosystem and the fact that the company wishes to try out new technologies that will be the future of the haulage industry. This is especially so when most nations would want to be a net zero emission nation by a certain target year - It's some sort of green energy away from fossil fuels.

While the Volvo Electric Prime Movers actually cost a whole lot more than their diesel counterparts (About 250-300% more in terms of initial outlay) there are other savings which they will receive like the tax breaks for fully electric vehicles, the GITA program mentioned above and the other savings related to truck idling, emissions. There are also other savings in terms of not maintaining an engine (no oil or filter changes, no particle diesel filter - which costs a bomb) and no engine overhauls to think about.

However, one important issue is the fact that most public listed companies would actually want their logistic providers to also be green compliant companies. This is a requirement in terms of Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) for most public listed companies globally. ESG is an approach to investing that recommends taking environmental issues, social issues and governance issues into account when deciding which companies to invest in. Basically most companies will adhere to this regulation and guideline if they want to remain in the 'good books' of regulatory bodies in terms of their net zero emissions calculations. 

So a net zero transporter would in turn benefit a net zero manufacturer to transport their cargo to and from or to distribute their products around the world. This is why Swift Haulage has decided to invest in these two units of Volvo Electric Prime Movers. Initial high entry cost aside, this is gaining knowledge for their near future in terms of ESG standards, running the next generation in low or zero emissions vehicles and how much it will actually cost them when they fully transition to such systems.

For now, the trucks will be used in and around the Klang Valley, mainly from Port Klang to warehouses in and around Shah Alam. This is totally suitable for a round trip to and from Shah Alam to Port Klang and back before a top-up charge would be required for another run after that. Even with the air conditioning running for 5 hours, the truck would have ample charge to make it back to its base in Shah Alam as the maximum draw for an a/c unit running in an idle truck in Port Klang (waiting for its cargo container to be loaded) would be under 10kw per hour (10KWh). So with a battery capacity of more than 450KWh, even with 5 hours of idling, it would have no problems making a round trip from anywhere in the Klang Valley to Port Klang.

In terms of how much would two hours of charging (to a full charge as mentioned above with a DC charger, it could cost RM175 (approximately) only. A diesel truck may have a 400liter tank and with diesel at RM2.15 it comes to over RM800 per tank. With idling costs, it could make sense to run on battery electric. Especially on short haul trucks.

It would still be a stretch to try a battery electric truck for long haul routes (those over 300km per trip). Where there are still issues charging along the route throughout Malaysia (like charging station roofs not allowing trucks to use the chargers as its not high enough). That, folks is the distant future.

A Summary about the Volvo Fully Electric Prime Movers:

EXTERIOR
490kW	Reliable design, excellent drivability and productivity. Experience the new Electric Drive Unit with up to 490kW power output and 2,400Nm torque.
AERODYNAMIC CAB DESIGN	Aerodynamically designed with more rounded corners for reduced air resistance and more optimal range performance.
LED HEADLAMP	The Volvo Truck signature ‘V’ shaped LED lights with its consistent brightness enhances visibility at night or in dark places, increasing safety.
SAFETY AUDIO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snrUarZQWGI&ab_channel=VolvoTrucks (VIDEO BY VOLVO TRUCKS)	The electric driveline is so quiet that artificial sounds have been added to alert pedestrians and other road users to the truck’s presence, for better safety.
SLEEPER CAB	Comfortable, modern and safe. The FM Sleeper cabin is designed with focus on drivers.  Materials were carefully selected to minimize gas emission in cabin and with an injury-preventive design using energy-absorbing materials.
SIDE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SUPPORT   (VIDEO BY VOLVO TRUCKS)	Using radar technology, Side Collision Avoidance Support monitors areas on both sides of the vehicle, assisting drivers in preventing blind spot accidents during lane changes. It activates from 0km/h onwards, for enhanced safety. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU6Cj1je9zk&ab_channel=VolvoTrucks
BATTERY PACKS (5-6)	Manufactured throughout the supply chain using sustainable methods, the modular design of the batteries allows flexibility to suit different operations, excellent fast charging capability for better energy efficiency and productivity.
MULTIPLE CONFIGURATION	Multiple axle configuration from 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 to fit multiple various business operations.
CHARGING	Take charge in charging. Available in both AC (43kW) or DC (250kW), the FM Electric can be charged either way for flexibility and productivity.

 

 

INTERIOR
EXPERIENCE SILENT DRIVE	More pleasant and safer driving experience for drivers without sounds and vibrations traditionally found in internal combustion engine vehicles.
VOLVO DYNAMIC STEERING	Volvo Dynamic Steering is an active steering system designed to enhanced drivability and directional stability for heavy-duty trucks using an electric motor for extra assistance to steering.
DIGITAL INSTRUMENTAL CLUSTER	High definition 12-inch display with a chrome ring surround and halo lights provides dynamic information display and ensures easy reading for better safety.
9-INCH SIDE DISPLAY	The 9-inch side display is the centre of the vehicle information system. Controllable using touch functionality or buttons on steering provides drivers a safe and convenient way to interact with the system.