Logistics

New Volvo electric trucks offer extended range

The new Volvo FMX Electric truck in action (Image source: Volvo Trucks)

Volvo Trucks has announced the launch of new electric vehicles with improved performance, flexibility and ranges up to 700 km, a new benchmark for electric heavy-duty trucks

The fleet includes the long-distance heavy electric truck, the FH Aero Electric, offering extended range, capable of driving up to 700 km on one charge.

Actual range depends on external conditions such as weather and wind resistance, as well as other factors such as total weight of the truck and the driver’s performance.

The fleet also includes the next-generation heavy-duty Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks, which include improvements in flexibility, productivity, driving comfort and with ranges up to 470 km.

Roger Alm, president Volvo Trucks, said it makes it possible to switch to electric truck operation for even more transport assignments.

“It has never been easier to replace diesel trucks with electric ones,” he said. “We stand firm in our belief that electric vehicles will deliver a large part of the world's truck transport in the future. With the amazing performance of all our new trucks, it's easy to see why.”

The new trucks will be rolled out step by step to markets starting in 2026.

“We’re really sharpening our offering here,” said Alm. “We are broadening it and making electric solutions possible for an even wider range of transport assignments, and also adding a cutting‑edge electric truck with a range of up to 700 km. This means we can fully match the business needs of our customers.”

The new long-distance truck, the Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range, can drive up to 700 km on one charge thanks to a new driveline technology, the e-axle, which creates space for significantly more battery capacity onboard.

The truck is adapted to the new MCS (Megawatt Charging System) standard and charging the eight batteries from 20% to 80% will take approximately 50 minutes.

“This long-haul electric truck is the best in the industry,” said Alm. “It offers an outstanding range in combination with high payload, fast charging and great riding comfort. With this truck, our customers can drive the really long distances and throughout an entire working day with the same productivity as diesel trucks.”

The new FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks have an all-new driveline designed for maximum flexibility across different applications.

It offers excellent drivability and is engineered so that the driver can drive the truck and power auxiliary equipment such as a concrete mixer, hook lift or refuse unit without extra motors or add-ons. This is due to an integrated gearbox power take-off (PTO) with increased functionality enabling usage during driving. The trucks will have a range of up to 470 km and can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 65 minutes.

“The next-generation FH, FM and FMX Electric are packed with new, smart functions, they offer great driver comfort and make zero tailpipe emissions transport available for very wide range of transport assignments,” said Alm.

All new trucks – the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric, and the FH Aero Electric with extended range – are equipped with a gearbox optimised for electric transmission paired with dual motors to deliver smoother and more controlled performance.

The new powershift gearboxes, eight-speed on the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric and six-speed on the FH Aero Electric with extended range, offer seamless gear shifting and also produce less noise and vibration for a more comfortable workday.

Magna Tyres launches RG22 for regional haulage

Magna Tyres has introduced its latest RG22 truck tyre, developed for drive axle use in regional transport operations where durability and consistent performance are critical.

The new model is designed to deliver dependable traction across a variety of road and weather conditions, supporting fleets operating on mixed regional routes. Engineered with a focus on longevity, the RG22 aims to help operators achieve higher mileage while maintaining stable handling.

Built with an optimised tread pattern, the tyre enhances grip and promotes efficient water dispersion, reducing the risk of aquaplaning in wet conditions. This contributes to improved safety and performance, particularly during long-distance regional haulage.

The RG22 is available in sizes suited to common commercial vehicle requirements and is constructed to handle demanding loads. Its design supports fuel efficiency, achieving a C rating, while maintaining a B rating for wet grip performance. In addition, the tyre meets recognised standards for winter and all-season use, carrying both 3PMSF and M+S markings.

Noise emissions have also been addressed, with the tyre rated at 73 dB and classified within the top tier for external rolling noise, helping reduce environmental impact and improve driver comfort.

Magna Tyres noted that the RG22 has been developed to balance operational efficiency with reliability, offering transport companies a solution that performs consistently under varying conditions while supporting cost-effective fleet management.

With its combination of traction, durability and efficiency, the RG22 is positioned as a practical option for operators seeking to optimise performance across regional transport networks.

Dubai and Oman deepen trade and logistics ties

Dubai Chambers has stepped up efforts to reinforce trade links with Oman following a high-level delegation visit to Sohar aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience and expanding economic cooperation.

The delegation, led by Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, met with representatives from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the North Al Batinah Governorate to explore new avenues for collaboration between the business communities of Dubai and Sohar.

Discussions centred on enhancing bilateral trade flows, identifying high-value investment opportunities and deepening engagement across priority sectors. Both sides emphasised the importance of building stronger commercial partnerships to support sustained growth in cross-border trade.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured key industrial and logistics hubs, including SOHAR Port and Freezone and Sohar Industrial City. These engagements provided a platform to examine ways to streamline the movement of goods, improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen logistical integration between the two markets.

Participants highlighted the strategic role of infrastructure connectivity in supporting regional trade, particularly as businesses seek more resilient and flexible supply chains in response to evolving global conditions.

Dubai Chambers noted that closer coordination with Omani partners is expected to unlock new commercial opportunities, while enhancing the overall competitiveness of businesses operating in both markets.

Lootah reiterated the organisation’s commitment to fostering stronger economic ties, pointing to the importance of seamless logistics networks and coordinated trade frameworks in enabling long-term growth. He added that such initiatives are key to reinforcing the resilience of bilateral trade relations and supporting shared development objectives.

The visit reflects ongoing efforts by both sides to deepen economic integration and position Dubai and Sohar as complementary hubs within the wider GCC trade ecosystem.

SGP launches Jubail container terminal operations

Saudi Global Ports Group has commenced operations at the Jubail Container Terminal under a long-term concession agreement with Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s logistics sector development.

The 30-year agreement covers the management and expansion of the terminal at Jubail Commercial Port, a strategic gateway for exports. The move aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen supply chain infrastructure and improve trade connectivity under Saudi Vision 2030.

With operations now underway, the integration of the terminal into SGP’s existing network along Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast is expected to enhance efficiency and coordination across port and logistics activities. The company said this will enable more flexible and responsive services for customers, while improving cargo handling capabilities.

As part of the concession, SGP has committed to investing SAR2bn over the duration of the agreement. The funding will be directed towards upgrading terminal infrastructure and introducing advanced equipment designed to support higher throughput and accommodate larger container vessels.

The development is also expected to strengthen links between maritime and inland logistics systems, supporting smoother cargo flows and reducing bottlenecks. By improving connectivity between ports and supply chain networks, the initiative aims to boost resilience and reliability across the Kingdom’s logistics ecosystem.

Industry observers note that enhancing port capacity and efficiency remains a key priority for Saudi Arabia as it positions itself as a regional logistics hub. The addition of Jubail Container Terminal to SGP’s portfolio is seen as a strategic move to support growing trade volumes and diversify economic activity.

With long-term investment and operational upgrades planned, the terminal is set to play an increasingly important role in facilitating exports and supporting industrial growth in the Eastern Province.

Dubai rolls out driverless taxis via Apollo Go app

Dubai Taxi Company PJSC has partnered with Baidu Inc. to launch commercial driverless taxi services in Dubai, marking a major step in the emirate’s push towards autonomous mobility.

The service is being deployed through Baidu’s Apollo Go platform, representing the company’s first international app rollout. The initiative combines Apollo Go’s autonomous driving technology with Dubai Taxi Company’s operational expertise, enabling the introduction of driverless ride-hailing services in a live urban environment.

The launch aligns with Dubai’s ambition to transform 25% of all journeys into autonomous trips by 2030, under the emirate’s wider smart mobility strategy. Authorities have been investing heavily in infrastructure, regulation and partnerships to support the safe adoption of self-driving transport systems.

The initial phase will see a fleet of 50 autonomous vehicles introduced over the first year, with plans to scale up to more than 1,000 units in the coming years. Users can book rides via the Apollo Go app, with integration into other ride-hailing platforms expected as the service expands.

Executives from both companies highlighted safety as a central pillar of the rollout. Baidu said its autonomous systems are designed to deliver consistent and reliable performance, supported by extensive testing and real-world data. The company’s global operations have already logged millions of rides and hundreds of millions of kilometres, including a significant portion of fully driverless journeys.

Dubai Taxi Company noted that the vehicles have undergone local trials in recent months, demonstrating strong safety performance and operational readiness. Advanced monitoring systems and data-driven controls will be used to oversee the fleet, ensuring that journeys meet strict safety and reliability standards.

The deployment follows regulatory approval earlier in 2026, when Apollo Go received Dubai’s first permit for fully driverless vehicle testing without a safety driver. This milestone paved the way for commercial operations and reinforced the emirate’s position as a regional hub for autonomous transport innovation.

Dubai Taxi Company’s existing fleet of more than 6,000 taxis and limousines is expected to support the transition towards autonomous mobility, leveraging its experience in fleet management and customer service. The company said the introduction of driverless taxis forms part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency, sustainability and passenger experience.

Industry observers view the launch as a significant development for the region, where cities are increasingly exploring smart mobility solutions to address urban growth and reduce congestion. By prioritising safety, regulatory oversight and technological innovation, Dubai aims to set a benchmark for autonomous transport deployment.

As the programme expands, further integration with existing transport networks and digital platforms is expected, supporting the gradual shift towards a more connected and intelligent mobility ecosystem.

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