Volvo, Pilot to partner in charging station network for trucks

Electric trucks designed by Greensboro-based Volvo Trucks North America may soon be able to travel farther. It’s part of a new partnership to boost the number of public charging stations.

The Volvo VNR Electric has a range of up to 275 miles. It’s primarily used for daily routes because charging station access is limited. 

That could change under an agreement between Volvo Group and Pilot Company to develop a charging center network at Pilot and Flying J stations across the country.

Peter Voorhoeve is president of Volvo Trucks North America. He says the partnership will combine the strengths of what his company knows about trucks with what Pilot knows about fueling them. 

“Many of our costumers — many of the shippers, many of the transport companies — basically share the same sustainability strategies we have,” he says. “We strongly believe that electric trucks will play a big role in what we call the decarbonization of the transport system.”

The expansion of charging stations will allow Volvo Group electric trucks to travel longer distances. Although the company is a partner in the network’s development it will be open to electric truck vehicles of all brands.

Voorhoeve says both state and federal incentives have helped Volvo’s effort to reduce emissions.