A versatile technology - Hybrid technology : Volvo Group Global
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Hybrid technology

Hybrid technology
It saves fuel. It reduces emissions. And it can be used together with alternative fuels. Hybrid technology is one of the most promising and competitive technologies for commercial vehicles - go to our annual report for more information

A versatile technology
The hybrid driveline cleverly exploits the benefits of different engine types and energy-storage systems. It combines the torque of the electric motor and the combustion engine in the optimum way.

The most suitable vehicles for hybrid drivelines are those that operate in continuous stop-go conditions such as buses and refuse or distribution trucks. In construction machines, the electric motor can be used to power the vehicle's hydraulic systems.

"We call this the fourth-generation hybrid technology. In the future, hybrid technology will not be a special solution but a technology found in most new city buses and distribution trucks. The fourth-generation hybrid technology has the potential to make this possible," says Leif Johansson.

Our hybrid solutions…

  • cuts fuel consumption by up to 20% for refuse handling trucks
  • eliminates up to 20% of CO2 emissions from city distribution trucks and commuter buses
  • reduces the fuel consumption of wheel loaders by up to 10%
  • makes trucks and buses operate virtually noiseless at low speeds
  • enables zero emissions of NOx and particulates when vehicle is in electric drive
  • are CO2-neutral when run on biofuel

First hybrid
The Volvo Group has long experience in the development of hybrid drivelines. Our first commercial hybrid bus was presented in the 1970's. The Environmental Concept Truck and Bus was presented in 1994. They were powered by a gas turbine combined with an electric motor.

World premiere for Volvo's hybrid bus
When Volvo's new hybrid bus now for the first time begins to carry passengers, it is happening in Göteborg. The Göteborgs Spårvägar transit company is participating in a field test with the hybrid bus that provides major fuel savings as a result of electric drive and shutting off the diesel engine at bus stops. Press release April 28, 2009

The first hybrid bus customer

First hybrid bus customer

“We are convinced that Volvo Buses’ hybrid technology is the best on the market,” says Jos Sales, customer

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