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While the diesel-powered combustion engine will remain the dominant driveline for the foreseeable future, all major manufacturers showed hybrids at the IAA Show in Hannover.
The most visually arresting was the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco-D concept, which appeared on the front cover of last week's MT. It is powered by a 125hp 3-litre diesel engine mated to a 35kW (47hp) electric motor, which also acts an alternator for charging the batteries and provides power take-off for operating the tipper body. If the other hybrids on show are less extraordinary in appearance, they stand a far greater chance of being used on the road without being watered down. Coverage of trailer launches and more non-hybrid trucks will appear in later issues.
The LF hybrid was first shown at Hannover two years ago. The version that appeared this year has been redesigned following customer trials. The diesel power comes from Paccar's 4.5-litre FR (EEV) engine, with 160hp on tap linked to an Eaton six-speed Autoshift gearbox. The electric motor's batteries can store energy released during braking. Production is expected to start next year. Away from hybrids, Daf also revealed new interiors for the CF and XF105 series and an "optimised driveline". Specifically, the latter means the MX engine benefits from updated software, a revised injection system and new engine braking.
Making its world premiere at the show was the Axor BlueTec hybrid, said to 'demonstrate the potential savings offered by hybrid drive systems for long-distance haulage'.
It is powered by a 326hp, 7.2-litre six-cylinder diesel engine, with peak torque of 1,300Nm. The electric motor is rated at 44kW (59hp) and torque at 420Nm.
Mercedes-Benz engineers reckon the Axor hybrid will consume between 4% and 10% less fuel than a conventional Axor, depending on route and driving style. Another world debut was the Econic BlueTec Hybrid. Based on the Econic 2629NLA, it features a 286hp, 6.4-litre, six-cylinder diesel mated to the same electric motor from the Axor hybrid.
Alongside the Axor was a concept vehicle: the Econic NGT hybrid. The EEV-classified natural gas engine is rated at 279hp and is again mated to the same electric motor. According to Mercedes-Benz, the "prospects are very rosy indeed: it will enable fuel costs to be slashed by up to 60% compared to diesel". It can also run on biogas. The weight penalty runs to 500kg.
MAN showcased a hybrid TGL. This 12-tonner features a four-cylinder EEV diesel engine rated at 220hp coupled with a 60kW (80hp) electric motor. As with other systems, the electric motor can store energy released during braking. MAN engineers estimate a fuel saving of up to 15%; the inevitable weight penalty is just 100kg. A concept vehicle, the TGX EcoLion, was also on show. Aimed at long-distance operators, it is a 4x2 tractor with air pressure management (APM) as standard (a first for MAN). TipMatic is a no-cost option, while ESP is standard. In the vein of the Mini, there are three option packs: Trucker, Value and Safety.
Renault confirmed that Premium Distribution Hybrys will begin trials with waste collection specialist Sita on the streets of Lyons next month. The Hybrys is powered by a 320hp DXi 7 Euro 5 Incentive diesel engine, backed up by an MDS electric motor, Optidriver+ gearbox. The electric motor can drive the vehicle at up to 20kph. Production units will be released at the end of next year. Renault also exhibited the Maxity electric truck. This LCV, powered by an electric motor, can reach a top speed of 80kmh and has a range of 60km. It could be become a production reality by mid-2010.
The Eurocargo CNG, due for production next year, is planned for short-cab versions weighing from 11 tonnes to 16 tonnes. It has a range of up to 450km. The Daily CNG comes with five gas cylinders totalling either 220 litres or 272 litres, depending on the wheelbase. An optional sixth cylinder pushes those figures to 250 litres and 302 litres respectively, thus extending the standard configuration's urban range from 250km to 340km and its extra-urban hilly road range from 310km to 420km.
The FE 6x4 rigid hybrid was on display at IAA. Volvo says it is designed to offer fuel and CO2 savings of 15% to 20% and quiet operation when running on the electric motor. Using an extra battery pack for running the garbage compactor, it can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 30%. It will go into production next year. The hybrid, currently on trial in Sweden, benefits from the Toshiba-developed Over View Surveillance System, which gives a bird's eye view of the vehicle to help the driver during low-speed manoeuvres. Assuming the system is successful, Volvo plans to offer it on all vehicles. Volvo also showcased its first EEV engine, an optimised D13 with SCR. It will be used in FH and FM trucks next year.
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