Volvo’s electric semitruck can drive up to 600km on a single charge, representing a “breakthrough” for long-distance cargo transport, the Swedish car firm has said.

Commercial vehicles responsible for transporting goods have to be capable of travelling long distances while carrying significant weight. To achieve this, they require heavy, expensive batteries, and range anxiety becomes more of an issue for long-haul journeys – factors that have caused issues for electrifying semitrucks in the past.

But Volvo says its FH Electric truck, to be launched next year, has enough range to allow transport companies to operate on regional and long-distance routes, with drivers being able to work a full day without having to recharge.

“Our new electric flagship will be a great complement to our wide range of electric trucks and enable zero-exhaust emission transport also for the longer distances. It will be a great solution for transport companies with a high annual mileage on their trucks and with...