Volvo’s focus on electric technology isn’t limited to its passenger cars – instead the manufacturer is also looking to revamp its trucks division too.
Sales of hybrid heavy duty trucks have now commenced under the name Volvo FE Hybrid. The vehicles, which are sold in select European markets, earn fuel savings up to 30 per cent and will be used primarily for distribution and refuse operations.
The Volvo FE Hybrid has a diesel engine with an electric motor that is used either at the same time or independently with the car switching between the two power sources automatically.
The hybrid technology also maximises the regenerative braking process. It is believed that fuel and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by between 15 per cent and 20 per cent; and that with the electric compactor on the hybrid refuse truck, up to 30 per cent can be saved.
Initially the trucks will be produced in a limited series of about 100 vehicles in June and will be delivered from 2011-2013 to select customers.
