Volvo Unveils I-SAM Heavy Hybrid - VIDEO ENHANCED

To see I-SAM in action CLICK HERE.

Gothenburg - March 17, 2006: Sweden-based AB Volvo, parent of both Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks, has unveiled a hybrid drive concept for heavy vehicles that offers fuel savings of up to 35%. Called I-SAM, it consists of a combined starter motor, drive motor and alternator, and an electronic control unit. I-SAM interacts with Volvo's I-Shift automatic gearshifting system.

The batteries are recharged by the diesel engine and whenever the brakes are applied. The electric motor offers smooth performance at low speeds, supplementing the diesel engine's performance, said Volvo. The technology allows the truck to accelerate under electrical power alone to further boosts fuel economy and lower emissions and noise levels. This technology will be able to achieve maximum fuel savings on routes with frequent braking and accelerations, such as refuse collection, city bus traffic and city distribution, said the OEM.