The Veolia hybrid refuse truck. Click to enlarge.

The four hybrid refuse trucks are all based on Volvo Trucks’ heavy-duty FE model and combine a 7-liter diesel (320 hp / 238 kW) with Volvo’s I-SAM (Integrated Starter Alternator Motor) hybrid pack featuring starter motor, 120 kW electric propulsion motor, alternator and electronic control unit. The I-SAM system fits between the clutch and the I-Shift automatic transmission.

Each power source can be used separately or in combination with the other. Lithium-ion batteries that are recharged whenever the brakes are applied and also via the diesel engine. Since the electric motor is used when the vehicle is idling and for acceleration, fuel consumption can be cut by 15-20 per cent.

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%.

Volvo Trucks’ hybrid refuse trucks have been in field tests since April (earlier post), and the technology is fast approaching the commercialization phase with series production due to start at the end of 2009.

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.