When Tesla unveiled its all-electric Semi in 2017, it promised a revolution in freight transport—futuristic design, breakthrough performance, and a bold move away from diesel. Fast forward to 2025, and that revolution is still waiting at the assembly line.
Meanwhile, Volvo Trucks has quietly and consistently done what Tesla hasn’t: deliver. The Swedish truck maker just sold its 5,000th electric truck, establishing a commanding lead in the global heavy-duty EV market.
Since launching its first electric truck in 2019, Volvo Trucks has expanded its portfolio to eight battery-powered models. These include the FL Electric, FE Electric, FM Electric, FMX Electric, FH Electric, FH Aero Electric, FM Low Entry, and the North American-focused VNR Electric. The company now sells electric trucks in more than 50 countries, with major markets in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the U.S., and Canada.
In Europe, Volvo has dominated the segment for five consecutive years, capturing a 47% market share in 2024 alone. It’s a similar story across the Atlantic, where the brand commands over 40% of the electric truck segment in the U.S. and Canada.
While Tesla has captured headlines, Volvo has captured the market. Tesla has produced approximately 140 Semis since 2022—a stark contrast to Volvo's 5,000. Despite continued anticipation around Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory scaling up production, the reality on the road today tells a different story.
Tesla’s delay isn’t due to lack of interest. The demand for electric freight solutions is very real. But scaling production, building infrastructure, and meeting logistical demands is a complex, capital-intensive process—something legacy manufacturers like Volvo are already adept at handling.
According to Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, the company’s success lies in its practical approach. “Volvo’s battery-electric trucks are available here and now, providing our customers and transport buyers with a more sustainable alternative that makes business sense,” he said. Many customers are not just buying in—but coming back for more.
The new generation of Volvo’s flagship long-haul model, the FH Electric, is scheduled for release later this year. It will offer up to 373 miles (600 km) of range, thanks to a more efficient electric axle. The truck is designed to go the distance—literally and figuratively.
While Tesla's Semi remains more of a headline than a highway fixture, Volvo Trucks has become the de facto leader in the electric trucking space. It’s a case study in how steady innovation and reliable delivery can beat hype—especially when the road ahead demands performance, not just promises.
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