Volvo Begins Selling Heavy Hybrid Trucks in Europe
Volvo AB said Tuesday it has begun selling heavy-duty hybrid trucks in European markets.
Being sold under the name Volvo FE Hybrid, the hybrid trucks can save up to 30% of fuel use and will be used primarily in distribution and refuse operations in an urban environment, Sweden-based Volvo said in a statement.
Volvo FE Hybrid is a parallel hybrid — a technology entailing using diesel engine and electric motors to be used either simultaneously or independently of each other while switching automatically between the two power sources.
Its hybrid technology has also been developed to maximize recycling of energy generated from braking, with no extra charging from external sources required, Volvo said.
The trucks, powered by a 7-liter, 340-horsepower diesel engine, will be manufactured in limited series production because the technology requires customized production solutions.
Volvo AB is the parent company of Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks.
