Due to its productive personality, the Volvo FE has been recognised as a cost effective truck for city distribution and refuse handling.
From a driver's perspective, the hybrid is also more pleasant to operate with excellent drivability characteristics and reduced noise levels.
A perfect fit for "stop and go" applications
Like the Volvo FM Hybrid, the Volvo FE Hybrid is equipped with a diesel engine and an electric motor. The latter powers the truck from startup and up to 20 km/h. At higher speeds, the diesel engine kicks in.
When the vehicles stops, the diesel engine automatically shuts down to avoid unnecessary idling.
Since braking energy is used to charge the lithium-ion batteries powering the electric motor, the greatest fuel saving potential is in applications with a lot of "stop and go" driving:
- up to 20% for refuse handling (up to 30% if the superstructure also rely on the electric motor)
- between 15-20% for city distribution
Low on emissions and close to noiseless
Any savings in fuel means equal savings in CO2 emissions, meaning that the Volvo FE Hybrid will contribute some 15 - 30% less to global warming.
The emissions of NOx and particulates are at zero level when the truck is operated in electric drive - and it is a very silent truck when accelerating and idling. These are both strong benefits when operating in sensitive urban areas.