The first hybrid refuse truck in the world launched in Sweden

The first hybrid refuse truck in the world launched in Sweden 

Steeply rising oil prices and a strong focus on the climate have made
fuel-saving hybrid technology particularly interesting. Volvo Trucks is now
taking an important step towards commercialisation of this technology for heavy
vehicles by launching two hybrid refuse trucks that will be tested in regular
daily operations in Sweden by refuse collection firms Renova and Ragn-Sells.  

“This test phase is the last stage in the evaluation of our hybrid solution
ahead of production launch,” reveals Staffan Jufors, president and CEO of the
Volvo Truck Corporation. “Since we presented our first concept vehicle in 2006,
we have seen considerably heightened market interest in this technology. What
makes our solution unique is that it is sufficiently powerful to drive heavy
vehicles and more cost-effective than all other current alternatives. It is
these characteristics that determine whether a hybrid can be commercially
viable. We will start producing hybrid trucks in 2009.”

Fuel-efficient, quiet and clean 

Volvo's hybrid solution combines a diesel engine with an electric motor, with
the electric motor being used for moving off from standstill and for
acceleration up to 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.
The hybrid refuse trucks are expected to use up to 20 percent less fuel and thus
cut carbon dioxide emissions by a corresponding amount. What is more, one of the
trucks is equipped with an extra battery pack that drives the refuse compactor,
and this is charged via the mains electrical system when the truck is parked
overnight. Its total reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is expected to be as
much as 30 percent, giving this approach a better eco-effect than for instance a
truck powered by natural gas. Electric power 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 is the future in all transport segments  

Initially, hybrid technology will be utilised by vehicles in urban operations.
In the longer term, however, Volvo aims to offer hybrid trucks within long-haul
and construction too. 

“Hybrid technology will play a major role in the future as the climate issue and
oil dependency come into ever-sharper focus,” says Mats Franzén, 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.”

Volvo FE hybrid refuse trucks

•	7-litre diesel engine producing 320 hp.
•	Volvo's I-SAM (Integrated Starter Alternator Motor) serves as a starter motor,
electric drive motor and alternator (120 kW).
•	Electronic control unit and voltage converter (AC/DC). 
•	Lithium-ion batteries that are recharged via the energy generated from
braking, or via I-SAM.
•	Volvo I-Shift, automated gearchanging system.
•	The superstructures are delivered by Norba 

April 7, 2008

For further information, please contact: Marie Vassiliadis, phone +46 31 322 41
27, e-mail marie.vassiliadis@volvo.com

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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.
Volvo Trucks is a part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading
manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for
marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services. The Group
also provides solutions for financing and service.