At the end of 2017, Tesla zigged when everyone expected the company to zag, by introducing an electric semi-truck. In typical Tesla fashion, CEO Elon Musk emphasized the truck's incredible 500-mile range and fast acceleration figures. Range may be important, but truckers have pointed out that acceleration really isn't the first thing on their minds. Volvo clearly agrees, because it has just revealed an EV truck of its own, with a much different purpose in mind. While the Tesla is focused on making long trips, the Volvo truck is strictly for city use.

The truck is called the the Volvo FL Electric, and it is the company's first all-electric commercial truck. The 16-ton delivery vehicle can be configured with different battery packs ranging from 100 to 300 kWh, enabling a driving range of up to 300 km (186 miles). With such a short range, Volvo envisions use in urban cities to replace vehicles like trash trucks. The FL's electric motor produces 248 peak horsepower or 175 continuous horsepower, and maximum torque is rated at 313 lb-ft. Power goes out through a two-speed transmission and the empty batteries can be recharged in 1-2 hours with fast DC charging, or up to ten hours overnight on AC with the largest 300-kWh battery capacity.

Volvo has experience building 4,000 electrified buses since 2010, so we expect the company to get the FL out on the roads before the Tesla truck becomes available. Now you'll no longer hear the loud rumble of a diesel engine when the truck comes by to collect your garbage, which should make for a more peaceful morning.