Volvo Trucks has introduced its first all-electric truck – the Volvo FL Electric - for urban distribution and refuse operations.

The first trucks in the new FL Electric range are entering regular operation with two customers in Gothenburg, with series production of the new model starting in Europe next year.

"We are immensely proud to present the first in a range of fully electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic. With this model we are making it possible for cities that aim for sustainable urban development to benefit from the advantages of electrified truck transports," said Claes Nilsson, president of Volvo Trucks.

The manufacturer is offering holistic solutions to suit the needs of individual customers with regards to range, load capacity and driving cycles.

Volvo says there is considerable market interest in electric trucks with many potential customers having questions about the opportunities generated by the new technology and how it can impact their operations.

Volvo Bus has sold more than 4,000 hybrid or fully-electrified buses worldwide since 2010, with 2,000 in the UK alone.

The technology used for propulsion and energy storage in the Volvo FL Electric has been thoroughly tried and tested from the outset and is supported by Volvo Trucks' far-reaching network for sales, service and parts supply.

The Volvo FL Electric has a GVW of 16-tonnes and its motor develops 425Nm of torque.

It can operate for a range of 185 miles on a full charge and can be recharged in one hour using a fast charger.