Mercedes bets on electric for its trucks, Volvo bets on gas

While Mercedes focuses its efforts on fully electric vehicles, Volvo opts for a different approach with liquefied natural gas (LNG).

In France, this strategy takes a concrete form with the order of 50 Volvo FH Aero LNG trucks by the Le Havre-based transporter Wheeltainer, 30 of which have already been in circulation since February 2025. The remaining 20 will arrive by the end of the year.

A credible alternative to fully electric for Volvo

In a landscape where electrification seems to be the preferred path, Volvo reminds us that other solutions can effectively meet the challenges of the energy transition. LNG, particularly when paired with bio-LNG, allows for significant reductions in CO₂ emissions while offering an adequate range for long-distance transport. Up to 950 kilometers without recharging, a dedicated station in Le Havre, and mature technology: these are all arguments that have convinced Wheeltainer.

For this container transport specialist, this decision fits into a broader strategy of modernizing its fleet and environmental commitment. The Volvo FH Aero LNG combines performance, reliability, and reduced impact, without compromising operational efficiency. “It responds in a balanced way to the current challenges of performance and environmental impact,” emphasizes William Kerfriden, CEO of Wheeltainer.

The social dimension is not overlooked. The trucks, equipped with spacious, quiet, and well-appointed cabins, are designed to improve drivers’ working conditions. Driving aids and safety devices complement a coherent ensemble, benefiting both drivers and the safety of other road users.

And if true wealth came from diversity?

Faced with an electrification still limited by infrastructure and usage, LNG appears as a complementary, immediately operational solution. This choice of diversification, rather than standardization, could establish itself as a strength to accelerate the transition in road transport. What if, fundamentally, the future did not rest on a single type of engine, but on the sector’s ability to combine several technologies suitable for each need?

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