Cemex takes delivery of first Volvo electric concrete mixer truck

Cemex took delivery of Volvo Trucks’ fully electric heavy concrete mixer truck at a joint event in Berlin, Germany. (Photo: Volvo Trucks)

During a joint event in Berlin, Germany, global construction materials company Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. (Cemex) took delivery of what is described as “the world’s first fully electric and zero-emission heavy-duty concrete mixer truck.” Supplied by Volvo Trucks, the vehicle will begin operating at the Berlin Spandau ready-mix plant in Berlin starting this month.

The Volvo FMX electric heavy-duty concrete mixer truck supplied to Cemex is equipped with an electric driveline incorporating two motors rated 330 kW power and four batteries rated 360 kWh. The vehicle is capable of completing a full day’s work with a single top-up charge. The mixer body hydraulic system is powered from a traction battery. The truck also has an I-Shift gearbox, 4100 mm wheelbase and a mixer capacity of 9 cu. meters.

In addition to zero emissions, the vehicle’s silent operation provides a better environment for workers on construction sites as well as for nearby residents, Volvo Trucks said.

The all-electric vehicle is the latest development in an agreement signed between Volvo and Cemex in 2021 for global collaboration on electromobility solutions in mobile construction equipment and trucks, productivity solutions and uptime services. This includes working together to develop and scale the technologies needed to make emissions-free transport a reality in the demanding construction industry, the companies said, noting electrification of concrete transportation is particularly challenging due to heavy loads and continuous mixing demands.

The Volvo FMX electric truck will be operating at the Berlin Spandau ready-mix plant during February. (Photo: Cemex)

In commenting on receipt of the first electric mixer truck, Fernando A. González, Cemex CEO, emphasized the role it will play in the company’s commitment to becoming a net-zero organization. “Innovation and collaboration are at the core of this commitment. Our partnership with Volvo has tremendous potential to contribute to the decarbonization of our business. Rolling out our first fully electric ready-mix truck is strong progress in that direction.”

“Both our companies have committed to ambitious sustainability targets and collaboration is the way to get there,” Roger Alm, president, Volvo Trucks, agreed, saying the delivery of the first fully electric concrete mixer truck is an important step in their partnership. “Together we will work to implement emission-free transport in the construction industry.”

Both companies are founding members of the First Movers coalition, a collaboration between the World Economic Forum with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, in which companies make purchasing commitments that create market demand for low-carbon technologies.