Volvo Trucks’ expanding battery-electric portfolio has been voted International Truck of the Year 2027, recognising the growing application of electric heavy-duty trucks across a wider range of transport operations. The award, presented at IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany, marks Volvo Trucks’ eighth International Truck of the Year win and the second time the Volvo FH Electric has received the accolade.
The winning range comprises the Volvo FH, FM, FMX Electric and FH Aero Electric, with a driving range of up to 700 km. Compared with previous models, the new electric line-up offers increased range, improved payload and reduced charging time.
From individual applications to a comprehensive solution
The jury highlighted Volvo Trucks’ development of its electric portfolio beyond a single vehicle or application. The range combines longer driving range with different cab and chassis configurations and charging solutions that can be tailored to a variety of transport assignments, including demanding regional and long-haul transport, city distribution, construction and utility work.
“The Volvo Trucks winning range represents a major evolution of their battery-electric heavy-duty offering. With the new electric range, the company demonstrates how quickly battery-electric heavy-duty transport is moving from individual applications towards a comprehensive transport solution,” says Florian Engel, Chairman, International Truck of the Year.
Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, accepted the award during the prize ceremony at IAA Transportation.
“I am very proud that we once again get recognized for our electric solutions. We see a great demand for our new electric trucks – and the order book is almost full. This award proves that Volvo Trucks is a trusted industry leader within electromobility. The new range makes it possible for even more operations to choose zero tailpipe emission transport,” commented Alm.
Electric trucks in daily operations
Volvo Trucks says that 7 000 of its electric trucks have travelled 500 million kilometres worldwide since 2019. Nearly 2 000 customers in more than 50 countries are now using electric Volvo trucks in their daily operations – including in South Africa.
The company has also developed a broad electric truck programme comprising eight electric models designed for a wide variety of transport assignments.
During seven years of electrification, Volvo Trucks says it has built expertise in optimising installed energy usage, charging and service for electric trucks.
The latest range represents a further expansion of that experience, with the combination of increased range, payload capability and reduced charging time intended to broaden the operational applications of battery-electric heavy-duty trucks.
A long-standing award history
The International Truck of the Year organisation was launched in 1977 and comprises 24 commercial vehicle journalists from major trucking magazines throughout Europe.
The annual award is presented to the truck introduced to the market during the previous 12 months that has made the most significant contribution to road transport efficiency.
The jury evaluates several criteria, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, drivability, energy efficiency, environmental footprint and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Volvo Trucks’ previous International Truck of the Year awards are:
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2024 – Volvo FH Electric
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2014 – Volvo FH
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2000 – Volvo FH Series
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1994 – Volvo FH Series
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1986 – Volvo FL Series
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1984 – Volvo F10
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1979 – Volvo F7
Editor’s Comment: Volvo Trucks’ 2027 award is notable in what the jury’s citation says about the changing scope of electric heavy-duty transport – specifically, the emphasis on a portfolio rather than a single electric truck. For road freight fleets, the evolution of the electric truck is increasingly about matching the technology to the transport task rather than simply asking whether an electric truck can replace a diesel one. The shift from individual applications towards a more comprehensive transport solution is arguably the more significant development behind Volvo Trucks’ latest International Truck of the Year recognition. Congratulations Volvo Trucks!
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