Volvo's first all-electric trucks have gone to work in Sweden – the FL Electrics part of a pre-production run built in the leadup to the start of series production later this year.
A refuse truck is operating within the fleet of a waste and recycling company, and a distribution truck is working for giant logistics company DB Schenker and partner haulier TGM.
The FL Electrics are the forerunners of limited production of the model, with a 16-tonne gross vehicle weight, and of the more powerful FE Electric, which will have a 27t GVW.
They are targeted specifically at urban transport applications, including distribution and refuse handling – their quiet, low emissions operation suiting them well to heavily-populated areas.
"Our close collaboration with drivers and customers has enabled us to develop, in a short space of time, electrified transport solutions that meet high requirements in terms of performance, driving distances, cargo handling and vehicle use," says Volvo Trucks president Roger Alm.
The drivers who will operate the electric trucks had the opportunity to test-drive them prior to delivery, as part of the operator training: "The drivers were particularly impressed with the responsive driveline, delivering fast and seamless acceleration, and the low noise level," says Alm.
"We will continue to develop our electrified offering. At the same time, we are steadily reducing the environmental and climate impact of our diesel and gas powered trucks, primarily through energy-efficient drivelines," he adds.
Meantime, in the United States, the giant Penske Truck Leasing fleet has added the first FUSO eCanter light duty electric trucks to its lineup, putting four of them into its Californian operation.
Penske Truck Leasing, which has a fleet of 300,000 vehicles, had already put fully-electric Freightliner eM2 trucks into its lease fleet last year and CEO Brian Hard says the company continues "to invest in the latest viable innovative vehicle technologies to benefit our customers. 
"With a guaranteed range of 100 kilometres and a fast-charging option, the eCanter is a viable option for fleets seeking to reduce tailpipe emissions and noise pollution in urban delivery settings."
The eCanter, which has a 129kW electric motor and can handle a three-tonne payload, is already in work in Japan, USA and widely in Europe – with over 100 trucks in work. Their batteries can be fully recharged overnight with alternating current chargers or direct current – or can be fast-charged in around 105 minutes.