Volvo has received authorization from the Ministry of Transportation to begin testing its heavy electric trucks in Brazil. The vehicles will be part of a study and will be able to operate in urban areas, metropolitan regions, and short to medium-distance intercity transportation, aiming to evaluate their performance and impact on pavement in this type of operation.
The transport companies ReiterLog and Ritmo Logística will be the first to operate the Volvo electric trucks. Preliminary results from the study, led by Senatran (National Traffic Department), with technical coordination from Inprotran (National Institute of Traffic and Safety Projects), in partnership with Volvo, Prometeon, UNB, and UFRGS, indicate benefits of operating zero-emission CO2 vehicles, such as high energy efficiency, absence of noise, low vibration levels, and increased driver comfort.
At the end of the tests, the goal will be to establish axle weight regulations that allow heavy vehicles to transit safely and efficiently.
Source: AutoData Read The Article
PSR Analysis. Electric propulsion for heavy tractor and the legislation for axle maximum weight are not compatible. This study is important to prepare the legislation for alternative propulsion technologies and enable the ultimate objectives of cleaner transportation. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development-South America, for Power Systems Research
