Volvo Launches World's First Electric Mining Haulers

Giant trucks that haul tons of earth and rock at mining and construction sites are going electric, and it's happening right now in Sweden.

Volvo Construction Equipment has started regular production of its A30 and A40 Electric articulated haulers. These are the first electric trucks of this size to move beyond testing into actual manufacturing lines, marking a turning point for an industry that's been diesel-dependent for decades.

The A30 Electric can haul 64,000 pounds on a single charge from its 245 kWh battery pack. Its bigger sibling, the A40 Electric, carries an impressive 86,000 pounds using a 324 kWh battery. Both trucks run all day on one charge, addressing the biggest concern fleet operators have about electric equipment.

"Starting serial production of electric articulated haulers of this size is a proud moment for Volvo CE," says Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo Construction Equipment. "This milestone proves that electric solutions are ready to meet the demands of heavy, high-productivity applications."

Both models pack 350 kW electric motors delivering over 200,000 pound-feet of torque at the wheels. That's enough power to match any diesel hauler while producing zero emissions at the job site.

The trucks charge using standard CCS connectors at speeds up to 200 kW. Workers can plug them in during shift changes and get from 10% to 80% battery in the time it takes crews to swap out.

The first electric haulers are heading to customers in the UK and Norway within weeks. More European deliveries are scheduled for late 2026, with customer demand already exceeding initial production plans.

The Ripple Effect

This launch carries extra weight because Volvo invented the articulated hauler category back in 1966 with "Gravel Charlie." Now they're reinventing it for the electric age, potentially influencing an entire industry to follow suit.

Construction and mining sites are some of the loudest, dirtiest workplaces on Earth. Electric haulers eliminate diesel fumes that workers breathe all day and cut noise pollution dramatically. As more companies see these trucks performing real work in demanding conditions, the excuses for sticking with diesel get harder to justify.

Fredrik Tjernström, an Electromobility Solutions Sales expert at Volvo CE, notes the response: "Customer interest since Bauma has been strong, with demand extending beyond the initial production schedule."

The future of construction just got quieter, cleaner, and surprisingly powerful.