R&M Receives First Volvo VNR Electric Truck as First On Demand Customer

R&M Trucking becomes the first Volvo on Demand customer in the US, receiving a Volvo VNR Electric truck for local deliveries in Chicago. The customizable service model simplifies the adoption of battery-electric trucks with flexible terms and comprehensive support, promoting sustainability and reducing upfront costs.

Tue April 22, 2025 - Midwest Edition #9
Volvo

Volvo on Demand is a highly flexible, Truck-as-a-Service subscription initiative, designed to drive the adoption of zero-tailpipe emission technology by removing large upfront capital investments.

Now, the first Volvo on Demand customer in the United States, R&M Trucking has started its subscription with a Volvo VNR Electric truck — carrying out local and regional deliveries at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.

Volvo on Demand is a highly customizable Truck-as-a-Service initiative of Volvo Trucks North America and Volvo Financial Services (VFS). The service is designed to simplify the acquisition process for battery-electric trucks, reducing the upfront investment required and offering qualified customers flexible term options as short as 12 months. The program includes Volvo Trucks' Gold Contract, with the option to bundle, route planning and optimization guidance, as well as consultations to identify the best charging solutions. A competitive mileage rate throughout the contract term provides flexibility, with a single monthly invoice encompassing all selected services.

"Volvo on Demand is designed to remove barriers to adopting battery-electric trucks by offering a flexible, all-inclusive service model," said Logan Andrew, eMobility territory finance manager East, Volvo Financial Services. "This deployment helps R&M Trucking integrate electric trucks into its fleet in a way that makes business sense — minimizing upfront capital investment while providing predictable operational costs."

R&M Trucking operates a fleet of 300 trucks, ranging from Class 6 to Class 8, making daily runs of 70-100 mi. from the airport to surrounding Chicago suburbs. The Volvo VNR Electric truck is well-suited for urban deliveries because its near-silent operation and zero-tailpipe emissions are ideal for deliveries in residential areas and busy city streets. Despite initial concerns about Chicago's cold weather, the Volvo VNR Electric has proven successful in several Canadian fleets, demonstrating strong performance in extreme temperatures, according to the company.

The truck's advanced battery thermal management system promotes optimal performance in cold weather, while its ability to run the cab's HVAC system without idling keeps drivers comfortable during rest periods, according to Volvo. This feature enhances driver well-being, reinforcing Volvo Trucks' commitment to both environmental sustainability and driver comfort.

The Volvo VNR Electric also delivers uninterrupted torque, smooth acceleration, and significantly reduced vibration and noise, resulting in a more comfortable and relaxing driving experience, according to the company.

R&M Trucking will operate a 6x4 tractor with a six-battery configuration, offering a range of up to 275 mi. and the ability to achieve an 80 percent charge in about 90 minutes. The company also is installing infrastructure at its warehouse to support overnight charging for the Volvo VNR Electric.

R&M Trucking has customers who want deliveries made with battery-electric trucks to meet supply chain sustainability goals and has worked closely with VFS and its local Volvo dealership M&K Truck Centers in Des Plaines, Ill., to make fact-based decisions about the business impact of purchasing and operating battery-electric trucks. R&M Trucking determined that Volvo on Demand was the most economical way for it to operate a battery-electric Class 8 tractor.

"Sustainability is a priority for R&M Trucking, with many customers seeking logistics partners that can help reduce their carbon footprint. The Volvo VNR Electric gives us the ability to provide zero-tailpipe emission deliveries while maintaining the reliability and performance our customers expect," said Mike Narvaez, director of safety, R&M Trucking. "Volvo on Demand made it easy to get started with battery-electric trucks, ensuring we have the support and flexibility needed to determine the next step of our electromobility transition."

Volvo on Demand launched in the United States in areas where nearby Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) dealerships offer comprehensive support, including preventative maintenance, service and charging facilities to maximize customer uptime. M&K Truck Centers, a Volvo Trucks Certified EV Dealer, will support R&M Trucking in maximizing uptime for its Volvo VNR Electric truck and evaluating opportunities to electrify additional routes.

For more information, visit volvotrucks.us/trucks/vnr-electric.