Volvo Trucks Ghent produces first Belgian-made electric truck for Katoen Natie

Volvo Trucks Gent, the only truck plant in Belgium and the largest in Volvo Group, introduces the first electric truck built in Belgium. Following the successful production start of electric trucks in Sweden, Volvo Trucks Ghent has built the first Belgian electric truck for logistics service provider, Katoen Natie. This milestone is the first step toward series production of battery-electric, heavy-duty trucks for the Ghent plant.

Electric vehicles are an important part of Volvo Group's strategy to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. Volvo Group's ambition is to offer products, solutions and services with net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

The electric trucks will be built on the same production line as internal combustion engine trucks, according to Volvo Group's Mixed Model Assembly principle. In the future, other models, such as electric trucks with fuel cells, will be added to the same production line.

As part of its transition to fossil-free transportation solutions, Volvo Group plans to make substantial investments at its Ghent plant over the next few years. This includes a new state-of-the-art factory for battery modules in 2025. To stock the additional parts that come with the addition of new electric models FH, FM and FMX, a new logistics center will be built on the site in 2024. These investments in Ghent will strengthen the local economy and employment.

"Volvo Trucks Ghent is the only truck assembly plant in Belgium and we are proud to introduce the first electric truck produced in Belgium. With this milestone and the upcoming investments in our plant, we play a key role in promoting sustainable transportation solutions and confirm Volvo Group's commitment to the Ghent plant." says Koen Leemans, VP Volvo Group Truck Operations Ghent

Katoen Natie resolutely commits to sustainability roadmap
As an important step in its sustainability roadmap, logistics group Katoen Natie began electrifying its truck fleet. The first truck, purchased today, will be used to service customer Atlas Copco Airpower. With this collaboration, the potential impact of decarbonizing the transportation sector on the entire logistics value chain becomes clear.

"Atlas Copco is immensely proud to be a co-pioneer of this fantastic first Belgian all-electric Volvo Truck. By deploying this truck in our logistics chain, we too are taking another step forward in our sustainability journey." - says Hans Thibau, Vice President Logistics Compressor Technique

Call for increased investment in electricity infrastructure - including truck charging stations

To support further electrification of the economy, including the transportation sector, the government must quickly address infrastructure gaps, particularly in electricity transmission and distribution. More truck charging stations are also needed. Funding for these projects must be organized while maintaining our country's competitiveness and attractiveness as an investment hub during the transition.

"We are delighted to partner with Volvo Group and use the first Belgian-made electric truck. This milestone represents our shared commitment to sustainable transportation. At the same time, we are deeply concerned about the lack of infrastructure to support further electrification. Overall, the cost of the green transition is threatening to spiral out of control." - said Karl Huts, CFO Indaver Group & Board Member Katoen Natie Group.