Volvo's Electric Truck Revolution Hits Chile, Sparking Latin American Trend
Volvo has made a significant stride in Latin America's electric vehicle market, launching its first 100% electric heavy trucks in Chile. The Swedish automaker introduced models like Volvo FHE, Volvo FME, and Volvo FMXE, joining a growing trend of electric cargo transportation projects in the region.
This trend is evident in several countries, including Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay. In Colombia, Navitrans has begun trials with a 36-ton electric mixer truck from Foton at a cement plant in Bogotá. Meanwhile, Randon, a Brazilian manufacturer, and SQM, a Chilean mining company, have introduced the first fully electric semi-trailers and trucks for cargo transportation in Latin America.
Asian brands, particularly Chinese companies like Zhongtong, Foton, and BYD, are prominent in these investments. BYD has announced three new electric cargo trucks for Colombia, with capacities ranging from 3.6 to 24 tons and ranges up to 250 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz has also introduced electric trucks in Chile, making it the first market in the region and the second nation outside of Europe to adopt this technology. Daimler Truck will commercialize the first fully electric Freightliner unit with Transportes Esteban in Mexico. In Brazil, Quantron AG plans to launch hydrogen trucks, with initial models of 4.2-ton and 44-ton capacities. Mobility, a Uruguayan firm, has announced the launch of Landking electric trucks, projecting at least 100 sales for 2023.
While there is no specific information about companies planning to contribute to the production of electric trucks in Colombia in 2023, Volkswagen's export activities suggest potential involvement in international markets. These developments indicate a growing commitment to sustainable transportation in Latin America, with electric and hydrogen trucks gaining traction across the region.
