Volvo hypes fourth-generation hybrid

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Volvo Group is now introducing the fourth-generation hybrid solution on a broad front in buses, trucks and construction equipment.

“Our hybrid solution for heavy vehicles is completely different from anything that has existed in the market to date,” says Leif Johansson, president and CEO of Volvo Group. “As a result of our volumes and resources, we have succeeded in developing a more standardized platform solution, which is a prerequisite for the hybrid technology’s ability to have a widespread commercial impact in the market for heavy vehicles."

The Swedish truckmaker unveiled its first commercially viable hybrid solution for heavy vehicles in March 2006.

Its solution is based on a concept known as I-SAM (Integrated
Starter, Alternator Motor), which entails that an electric motor and a diesel engine work in parallel, whereby each of them can be used in the areas where they are most effective. This increases the capacity compared with series hybrids, the company says, while reducing fuel consumption and improving driving characteristics — simultaneously.

"This is what we call the fourth-generation hybrid technology," says Leif Johansson. "In a few years’ time, hybrid technology will no longer be a special solution but a technology found in most new city buses and distribution trucks."

The solutions that have existed in the market to date have been based on a large proportion of special components. This has impeded volume manufacturing and led to the vehicles becoming much more expensive than the equivalent standard vehicles.

Another advantage generated from an adaptable platform solution, such as the one that the Volvo Group has access to, is that it can be used for a variety of different products and applications, which further increases the volumes and reduces production costs.

During the autumn, a number of the Volvo Group’s hybrid vehicles will be displayed at various trade shows, including the world’s first heavy hybrid refuse truck, the Volvo FE Hybrid.

The truck can result in fuel savings of up to 20 percent and a corresponding decrease in carbon-dioxide emissions, says Volvo.