Volvo Penta and Volvo Financial Services Enable Electrification of Off-Highway Vehicles

Volvo Penta and Volvo Financial Services introduce leasing model to accelerate adoption of electric terminal tractors.  www.volvopenta.comDFDS and VFS are entering into a seven-year lease agreement on six MOL RME225 RoRo tractors, which are powered by Volvo Penta electric drivelines Volvo Penta and Volvo Financial Services (VFS) have partnered to make the transition to electric off-highway vehicles more accessible, with logistics company DFDS becoming the first customer to adopt the solution. Project scope: Leasing model for electrification The partnership introduces a financing solution tailored to reduce the barrier of high upfront investment in electric equipment. Under the agreement, DFDS will lease six MOL RME225 electric RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) tractors over a seven-year period. The vehicles are powered by Volvo Penta electric drivelines and supported by: Preventative maintenance service contracts Insurance coverage through VFS This total-solution approach combines technology, service, and financing into a single offering. Technology: Electric driveline integration The tractors are developed in collaboration with MOL and represent one of the first operational electric 4x4 RoRo tractor solutions. The concept was validated through real-world operations at a DFDS terminal in Ghent, Belgium, where a prototype operated for over a year in daily logistics activities. Benefits: Efficiency and sustainability in port operations Electrifying off-highway RoRo tractors offers several advantages: Reduced emissions, supporting cleaner port environments Lower noise and vibration levels, improving operator comfort Enhanced suitability for confined spaces such as ships and terminals These benefits are particularly relevant for port logistics, where environmental and operational constraints are increasing. Strategic collaboration: Enabling customer transition The partnership between Volvo Penta, VFS, and MOL reflects a coordinated effort to support customers through the transition to electromobility. By combining engineering expertise, financial solutions, and customer input, the companies developed a tailored approach aligned with DFDS’s goal of electrifying part of its fleet of 280 diesel-powered terminal tractors. Deployment timeline The six electric RoRo tractors are scheduled for delivery to DFDS in the Netherlands in Q2 2026, marking the first implementation of this financing model. Conclusion: Lowering barriers to electrification By addressing both technological and financial challenges, Volvo Penta and Volvo Financial Services are helping accelerate the adoption of electric off-highway vehicles. The initiative demonstrates how integrated solutions can make sustainable transport more practical and scalable in industrial and logistics environments. Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance. www.volvopenta.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing