Word reaches Biglorryblog that Volvo is to deliver four hybrid-powered refuse trucks to Veolia Propreté (one of the world's largest refuse handling companies) with the aim of running them in trials in London and Paris next Autumn. "It is particularly gratifying that Veolia Propreté, an international company renowned for its dedication to green development, wants to be among the very first to harness the benefits of hybrid technology," Claes Nilsson, President of the Europe division at Volvo Trucks tells Biglorryblog.
The garbage truck quartet are all based on Volvo's heavy-duty FE model but with the following driveline alterations:
- 7-litre diesel engine
- Volvo's I-SAM (Integrated Starter Alternator Motor) hybrid pack featuring starter motor, 120 kW electric propulsion motor, alternator and electronic control unit.
- Lithium-ion batteries that are recharged whenever the brakes are applied and also via the diesel engine.
- Volvo I-Shift, automated gearchanging system
And according to Volvo: "Each of the diesel/electric power sources can be used separately or in combination with the other. Since the electric motor is used when the vehicle is idling and for acceleration, fuel consumption can be cut by 15-20%. With the addition of an extra battery featuring a plug-in recharging facility to power the ancillaries, the hybrid refuse trucks can cut a further 10-15% off their fuel consumption figures, giving a total fuel reduction of up to 30%. Emissions of climate-impacting carbon dioxide are also significantly lower. Electric power gives exhaust-free and almost totally silent operation, a major benefit for refuse trucks that often operate in dense urban areas early in the morning." I'll say every Thursday morning, what wakes me up? "Dad, dad it's the Dustbin men!" Now click through here for more...
Since April 2008, several field tests have been taking place involving Volvo Trucks' hybrid refuse trucks and the technology is fast approaching the commercialisation phase with series production due to start at the end of 2009. What is already perfectly clear, however, is that there is considerable interest in the market.
The four refuse trucks are pre-production vehicles that will be delivered by Volvo Trucks complete with all necessary bodywork. The vehicles will be leased by Veolia Propreté on a 24-month contract that covers service, maintenance and continuous software upgrades, among other things.
"We will carefully monitor how the trucks are used and how they are perceived by the drivers. This will provide us with vital information for the ongoing development of our hybrid vehicles," adds Nilsson.
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