Volvo to Test Hybrid Refuse Trucks in Sweden

April 8, 2008 – Vol.13 No.3

Volvo to Test Hybrid Refuse Trucks in Sweden.

Beginning with these trucks Volvo is taking a first step towards commercialization of hybrid technology for heavy vehicles. Initially, the technology will be utilized by vehicles in urban operations. In the longer term, however, Volvo aims to offer hybrid trucks for long-haul transport and construction applications as well.

Two diesel-electric hybrids refuse trucks will be tested in regular daily refuse collection operations. The refuse trucks are expected to use up to 20 percent less fuel and thus cut carbon dioxide emissions by a corresponding amount.

One of the trucks is equipped with an extra battery pack that drives the refuse compactor which is charged via the grid when the truck is parked overnight. This truck’s total reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is expected to be as much as 30 percent.

With Volvo’s hybrid solution an electric motor is used for moving off from standstill and for acceleration up to 12 mph (20 km/h). At higher speeds, the diesel engine is activated. When the truck stops, the diesel engine automatically switches off, thus avoiding unnecessary idling. The batteries are recharged using the power that is generated during braking making this system highly suitable for operating cycles involving repeated stops and starts, such as refuse collection duties.

Electric power only at low speeds has the added advantage of being entirely exhaust-free and emitting low noise, important considerations for refuse collection vehicles that often operate in urban areas early in the morning.

“Hybrid technology will play a major role in the future as the climate issue and oil dependency come into ever-sharper focus,” says Mats FranzÈn, engine manager at Product Strategy and Planning at Volvo Trucks. “No matter which fuels dominate in the future, their supply will be limited. Technology that leads to lower fuel consumption will be of immense interest to our customers, irrespective of the type of haulage operation with which they work. For distribution trucks, fuel consumption may be able to be cut by 20 to 30 percent. In long-haul operations, the percentage reduction will not be as great but since these trucks cover long distances, the total fuel saving will nonetheless be considerable.”

Specifications include: a 7-liter diesel engine producing 320 hp; Volvo’s I-SAM (Integrated Starter Alternator Motor) that serves as a starter motor, electric drive motor and alternator (120 kW); lithium-ion batteries that are recharged via the energy generated from braking, or via I-SAM; Volvo I-Shift: an automated gearchanging system.

Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and business-driven customers. The company offers a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks, with a strong global network of 3,000 service points in more than 130 countries. In 2006 Volvo Trucks sold more than 105,000 trucks worldwide.

Links:

Volvo Group
http://www.volvo.com

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