Volvo Trucks North America deployed its first pilot VNR Electric truck in Southern California as part of the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project. The LIGHTS project is a collaboration with the South Coast Air Quality Management District and 13 other organizations to develop a blueprint to introduce battery-electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale.

The first pilot Volvo VNR Electric truck will operate at the Volvo Trucks North America TEC Equipment dealership in Fontana, CA. The zero-emission truck will transport local parts between the TEC Equipment dealerships in Fontana and La Mirada, CA.

“Volvo Trucks is proud to lead the way in the sustainable electrification of freight movement. Working with our dealership, TEC Equipment, to pilot the first Volvo VNR Electric on the road and in real-world applications is an exciting step toward our plans to commercialize these zero-emission trucks in North America this fall,” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said. “The all-electric Volvo VNR will become the ideal truck model for short- and regional-haul applications, such as urban distribution and drayage.”

Starting in 2021, Southern California businesses will have the opportunity to lease Volvo VNR Electric trucks from TEC Equipment.

“Everyone on my team that has had an opportunity to drive the Volvo VNR Electric has been surprised by how smooth the truck operates,” Mike Reardon, general manager of TEC Equipment’s Fontana dealership, said. “Our parts delivery driver loves taking it out, saying it is very quiet and comfortable in the cab and has great power at take-off.”

As part of the Volvo LIGHTS project, two fleet operators — NFI Industries and Dependable Supply Chain Services — also will begin demonstrating the pilot Volvo VNR Electric trucks for full operations in their regional routes later this summer.