Volvo views hybrid technology as one important step towards reducing oil dependency and enabling sustainable transportation in society. In the years to come, Volvo will accelerate the development of commercially viable hybrids for heavy vehicles - for the benefit of both customers and the environment.
A tradition of hybrids
This is the third concept from Volvo Trucks with a special focus on environmental performance. The first was the hugely innovative Volvo Environmental Concept Truck (ECT) presented in 1995. The ECT driveline consisted of a series hybrid featuring a flexible-fuel gas turbine, high-speed generator, batteries and electric motor.
Following the very positive response of the ECT, two prototypes built on the FL6 chassis were developed to further study the feasibility of hybrid electric propulsion in commercial applications. The Volvo FL6 used a diesel engine in combination with electric motors where the driver selected either hybrid mode or electric mode via a switch in the cab.