Volvo's commercial trucking division is gearing up to release a next-generation electric semitruck in the latter half of 2025. This new model, the FH Electric, is expected to have a battery range of 373 miles on a single charge, which is a significant improvement over the current model's 186-mile range. This leap in distance is made possible by Volvo’s innovative e-axle driveline technology, which integrates electric motors and transmission into the rear axle, creating additional space for more batteries.

While the existing model will remain available, the new version will come equipped with eight batteries instead of six, making it particularly suitable for long-haul trips. Volvo aims to have this truck as part of its lineup as the company works toward its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Since 2019, Volvo has delivered over 3,800 electric trucks to customers across 47 countries and has already secured a deal to provide 50 electric trucks to Amazon.

Other major automakers, including Tesla and Daimler, are also competing in the electric semitruck market. Tesla, despite its early lead with the Tesla Semi announced in 2017, has had limited deployments and recently encountered a crash involving one of its trucks. Daimler, on the other hand, is looking toward the future with plans to build an autonomous semitruck by 2027.

Though the new FH Electric truck’s 373-mile range doesn't quite reach the 600-mile range achieved in Volvo's fuel cell tests, it's likely we'll see a significant increase in electric trucks on the road before any major advancements in hydrogen infrastructure come to fruition.