The electric vehicle spotlight has long shone on Tesla, with its bold promises of transforming transportation, including the much-hyped Tesla Semi.
Yet, while Tesla’s electric truck remains mired in delays, Volvo Trucks has quietly taken the lead, delivering its 5,000th battery-electric truck in 2024—a milestone that signals a new era for sustainable freight.
Tesla’s Semi: Ambitious Vision, Stalled Progress
Unveiled in 2017, the Tesla Semi dazzled with a sleek design, a 500-mile range, and claims of revolutionizing long-haul trucking. However, production setbacks have kept the Semi on the sidelines. By 2024, only a handful of trucks have reached clients like PepsiCo, with full-scale production delayed until late 2025. Tesla’s innovative spark is undeniable, but its slow rollout has left fleets waiting.
Volvo’s Steady Climb to Dominance
Enter Volvo Trucks, a Swedish powerhouse that’s been electrifying freight since 2019. With over 5,000 electric trucks now operating in 50 countries, Volvo has turned vision into reality. Its diverse lineup, from the urban-friendly FL Electric to the heavy-duty FH Electric, serves clients like DHL and Amazon, proving electric trucks can handle real-world demands. Volvo’s upcoming 2025 FH Electric, with a 373-mile range enabled by an advanced e-axle, pushes the boundaries further.
The Volvo Edge: Infrastructure and Reliability
Volvo’s success isn’t just about trucks—it’s about systems. Decades of expertise in heavy-duty vehicles give Volvo a robust supply chain and a global network of certified EV dealers.
Unlike Tesla, which is still scaling its service infrastructure, Volvo offers tailored charging solutions through partnerships and tools like digital route planners. Its “Volvo on Demand” subscription model, used by clients like R&M Trucking in the U.S., makes electrification accessible by reducing upfront costs.
Volvo’s Electric Trucks: Key Specs
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Range: Up to 186 miles (300 km), with newer models reaching 373 miles
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Charging: DC fast-charging in under 90 minutes
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Payload: Matches diesel trucks, optimized for battery weight
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Features: Quiet operation, zero emissions, and driver-focused cabs with advanced telematics
Why It Matters: The Push for Sustainability
With transportation contributing nearly 30% of global CO2 emissions, electrifying fleets is critical. Volvo’s milestone aligns with tightening regulations and corporate net-zero goals, making its trucks a practical choice for businesses facing diesel bans and clean air mandates.
Tesla’s Future and Volvo’s Present
Tesla’s Semi could still disrupt the market with its cutting-edge tech, but for now, Volvo’s focus on delivery and reliability has given it the upper hand. While Tesla dreams big, Volvo is building the future of freight—one electric truck at a time.
The Road Ahead
Volvo’s goal is bold: 50% electric truck sales by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2040. As cities expand clean air zones, Volvo’s proven track record positions it as a leader. Tesla and others will keep pushing innovation, but Volvo’s milestone proves that in the race to green freight, steady execution wins.
Join the conversation: How do you see electric trucks shaping the future of logistics?
