Two new Volvo hybrid refuse trucks 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," said Staffan Jufors, president and CEO of Volvo Truck Corp. "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."

Volvo's hybrid solution combines a diesel engine with an electric motor. The motor will be used for moving off from standstill and for acceleration up to 20 km/h. At higher speeds, the diesel engine is activated and will switch off when the truck stops, avoiding unnecessary idling. The batteries are recharged using the power that is generated during braking, making this system 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. 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.