It is an unusual test drive: from the outside this just looks like a Volvo FH, but since March it has been given a second, electric life. It is the first vehicle that the young Belgian company Trova has delivered to a customer – in this case Ninatrans – after the installation of a fully electric drivetrain.
After more than four years of development, this vehicle is the first Belgian application of the retrofit concept: you take a diesel truck that already has quite a few kilometers on the odometer (here an eight-year-old Volvo FH with 730,000 km), remove the engine, gearbox and exhaust system, and replace everything with an electrical installation with motor, energy control and batteries. And this at a cost that is approximately one third lower than that of a new electric truck.
Cabin. This Trova V01 looks exactly like a Volvo FH, except for the logo in the grille. On the driver’s side there is a small hatch at the back under the storage cupboard, which provides access to the charging plug. This differs from factory-built electric trucks, where the connection is usually located in the wheelbase or at the front. Also striking: the wheels were given convex wheel covers to limit air resistance.
Inside there is only one real difference: a rectangular control screen on the right of the dashboard. Nothing else has changed. So Trova has wasted no time in removing controls that have become redundant, such as the warning indicator for AdBlue problems.
A new control screen
The EV Display is mounted in a metal frame and shows a large number of information elements while driving. You will find the charge status, the remaining driving range in kilometers, the selected gear and the active driving mode (N, D or R).
During charging, various symbols indicate possible malfunctions. The causes of malfunctions are listed in a manual that is made available to the driver. The mandatory red emergency stop button is easily accessible and immediately switches off a large part of the low-voltage components and all high-voltage parts. As for low voltage, a switch behind the cab cuts off power to the non-adapted components, while another rear-mounted switch can turn off the rest.
Technical specifications. The charging time is approximately 8.5 hours on alternating current (22 kW) and approximately 45 minutes on direct current (250 kW). The usable battery capacity (NMC) is 186 kWh, a choice of Ninatrans, for whom a driving range of 140 km is sufficient. Trova can also offer other battery combinations. Each battery module is equipped with a manual disconnection system, both for vehicle maintenance work and in the event of an accident. The new automatic transmission has four gears, like other electric trucks.
Driving impressions. When we went out with the Trova, there were no surprises. The driving experience is comparable to that of other electric trucks: comfortable, smooth and quick in acceleration. Compared to factory-built electric trucks, the noise level is slightly higher, but this will be improved in the second example thanks to better engine insulation.
With the same gear controls as with a regular FH, we find the E/P button at the back. This allows you to switch from the standard Economy mode when starting to the Power mode, in which full torque is available. As for braking, the lever to the right of the handlebar has remained unchanged, but it now controls the regenerative brake with three levels of intensity.
Performance. We drove this Trova in the Leuven region, where the terrain is quite flat. On the one hand, this requires less energy, but on the other hand, there are fewer options for regeneration. You simply cannot win in all areas. With an adapted electric driving style, we recorded a consumption of approximately 1 kWh per km, comparable to that of other brands. But with an announced range of 140 km, it is important to plan well.
Conclusion. This electric truck is a well-balanced whole. The work Trova has done is solid and represents a credible alternative to purchasing a new electric truck. Now Trova still needs to attract new investors to start the industrial phase of the project.
Good to know
- first retrofit project in Belgium
- autonomy is limited in this configuration
- improvements planned for copy number 2
Technical sheet Trova V01
- Power: 345 kW
- Transmission: 4 gears
- Battery type: NMC
- Battery capacity: 186 kWh
- Range: ± 140 km
- Temperature range: –20 °C / +40 °C
- Gradient capacity: 12% at 44 tons
