Adding yet another feature to its heavy duty trucks, Volvo Trucks has recently developed a concept hybrid vehicle designed for long-haul called the Volvo Concept Truck. In combination with the vehicle's other improvements, Volvo said the total reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission is around 30 per cent. It is the first time the manufacturer has looked at using a hybrid power train for heavy duty trucks in long haul applications. This reflects the increasing importance the company is placing on hybrid technology. The concept is the result of a bilateral research project involving both the Swedish energy authority, and the US Department of Energy. The hybrid powertrain works by recovering energy when driving downhill on slopes steeper than one per cent or when braking. The recovered energy is stored in the vehicle's batteries and used to power the truck in electric mode on flat roads or low gradients. An enhanced version of Volvo Trucks' driver support system, I-See, has also been developed for the hybrid powertrain, said Volvo Trucks in a recent statement.
