Volvo revving up its trucks with heavy-duty hybrid drivetrains
Hot on the heals of the announcement that Wal-Mart is researching dual-mode, diesel-electric drivetrains in its massive truck fleet is the news that Volvo Group has proven its I-SAM hybrid truck technology. Volvo Group, in partnership with the US Air Force has shown that its I-SAM (Integrated Starter Alternator Motor) technology can deliver fuel savings of up to 35 percent, depending on application and driving conditions in heavy-duty applications.
Volvo's Mack Trucks has received four contracts from the US Air Force to develop hybrid-powered trucks, a number of which will be built in 2007. Customer field testing and eventual production is scheduled for 2008 through 2009 with a potential heavy-duty hybrids market of around 300,000 vehicles waiting for the technology's arrival. Volvo's heavy-duty hybrid trucks pair a traditional diesel engine with an electric motor via a Volvo I-Shift automated mechanical transmission. The electric motor can generate around 160hp / 119 kW and works in conjunction with a power/electronics box; an energy storage box; and a powertrain control unit to provide instant torque, which helps improve efficiency.
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[Source: James Menzies / Truck News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DB 8:18PM (1/16/2007)
I knew this had to be coming sooner or later. Considering how many Volvo trucks you see on the road when you take a look around, this coupled with WalMart's announcement is huge. If a truck that gets driven 100,000 miles a year at 7 mpg of diesel is suddenly getting a realistic 9.5 mpg, that saves about 3700 gallons of gas (and $11,000 w/ diesel at $3)for that 1 truck. It takes more than a dozen Priuses to make that same difference in fuel savings.
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CarExpert 10:58PM (1/30/2007)
Its nice to know that Volvo are now into hybrid-powered trucks, this will not only save money on gasoline but most of all is saving our environment. Wish that all Volvo Engine Parts - http://www.swedishpartsshop.com/volvoengineparts.html are in good condition before they make it out in the market. To ensure the safety of all drivers.
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