On 16 May, Volvo Trucks France delivered 11 fully electric trucks to Groupe Malherbe, a leading road freight transport operator in France. The fleet includes nine Volvo FH AERO Electric tractors and two Volvo FL Electric rigid trucks with box bodies.
The initiative forms part of a longstanding collaboration of over two decades between the two companies and supports the deployment of a 100% electric transport solution for supplying parts to Volvo’s assembly facility in Blainville-sur-Orne, Normandy.
Volvo Group’s logistics and procurement division assigned Malherbe to manage part flows from suppliers to production sites. To carry out this task, the company opted for electric vehicles manufactured by Volvo Trucks.
Structured implementation and pilot results
The project builds on a field testing phase launched in 2023, with trials conducted under real operating conditions across Normandy and Brittany.
Based on the positive results, Groupe Malherbe submitted a proposal in response to a Volvo logistics tender and applied for the 2023 ADEME Call for Projects, targeting a reduction of at least 700 tonnes of CO₂ annually through the deployment of around ten electric trucks.
The first Volvo FH AERO Electric tractor delivered in France was received by Malherbe in July 2024, followed by the addition of eight more FH units and two FL Electric trucks.
All vehicles were supplied under a rental contract through Volvo Financial Services Location. Charging infrastructure was deployed across seven Groupe Malherbe sites, supported by Autorecharge, a certified partner of Volvo Trucks.
The trucks operate during the day and are recharged overnight, following an energy efficiency strategy.
Industrial and agri-food use cases
The 11 electric trucks currently serve two main logistics operations:
- Transporting plastic automotive components from regional suppliers to the Blainville-sur-Orne factory, which assembles Volvo FL and FE Electric models.
- Freight services for a major agri-food company, covering regular routes across Normandy and Brittany.
These applications highlight the versatility of Volvo Trucks’ electric vehicles, suited for both industrial logistics and food distribution chains.
Transitioning road freight operations
Founded in 1953, Groupe Malherbe is one of France’s leading general cargo transport providers, operating a fleet of 2,300 powered vehicles and 4,650 registered assets. It serves key sectors including food, retail, energy, construction, and pharmaceuticals.
On the environmental front, the company signed the “Objectif CO₂” charter in 2010 and has already reduced its fleet’s carbon footprint by over 20%. Under its 2030 environmental roadmap, Malherbe is targeting an additional 8% reduction between 2022 and 2024.
The delivery ceremony was attended by Alain and Noël Samson, senior executives at Groupe Malherbe, and Laurent d’Arnal, Commercial Director at Volvo Trucks France, who stated:
“We are particularly proud to support Groupe Malherbe, a longstanding Volvo Trucks customer, in this crucial stage of fleet electrification. This major order is the result of years of partnership built on trust, performance, and shared sustainability values.”
Technical specifications of the vehicles
- Volvo FH AERO Electric: 4×2 tractor with six battery packs (540 kWh gross capacity) and three electric motors delivering 490 kW (667 hp). Charging capabilities include AC (43 kW) and DC (250 kW).
- Volvo FL Electric: 4×2 rigid truck with 16-tonne GVW, equipped with four battery packs (376 kWh gross) and one electric motor providing 165 kW (225 hp). The vehicle features a box body configuration for urban deliveries and supports AC (43 kW) and DC (150 kW) charging.
