Volvo to Build Truck of the Future for U.S. Army
13 January 2000
Volvo to Build Truck of the Future for U.S. Army
Joint Effort Will Develop Army's Demonstrator for 21st Century Truck
Initiative
GREENSBORO, N.C., Jan. 13 -- Volvo Trucks North America,
Inc., Lockheed Martin Control Systems and Radian, Inc. are building a Class 8
tractor powered by a hybrid electric propulsion system for a U.S. Army program
that promotes joint military and commercial development. The project calls for
delivery of the demonstrator truck to the Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments
Command (TACOM) by December 2000.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000113/MNTH004 )
"This project is an opportunity for Volvo and its partners to define the
transportation model of the future," said Marc F. Gustafson, president and CEO
of Volvo Trucks North America. "Our work holds great promise to find solutions
to society's desire for greater mobility, a cleaner environment and safer
roadways."
The hybrid electric truck will be propelled at low speeds by electric
motors and at high speeds by a diesel engine. The propulsion system will
combine a 460-hp diesel engine with two 250-hp electric motors. Lead acid
batteries charged by an on-board generator will power the electric motors.
Volvo engineers are currently overseeing the integration of Lockheed
Martin's HybriDrive(TM) propulsion system with the driveline and electrical
systems on a Volvo VNL highway tractor. The truck will begin testing this
month.
Testing will be conducted at several military sites in the United States,
including Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Real-time data from the operational tests
will be transmitted from the vehicle to both government research labs and
facilities at the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute.
"This is truly a collaborative effort that brings together the brightest
minds from the Army, Lockheed Martin, Radian, academia and Volvo to apply
technology that we expect will provide real business advantages for motor
carriers in the near future," said Gustafson.
Some or all of the technologies being developed on the truck could be
ready for commercial use within seven years.
Reducing Environmental Effects
The combination of the two technologies could significantly reduce
emissions, while simultaneously increasing fuel efficiency -- all without
sacrificing performance, according to Keith Brandis, vice president - business
offer development at Volvo Trucks.
The propulsion system is designed to combine the power of the diesel
engine with power of an electric motor for shift-free acceleration.
"Drivetrain technology is advancing so quickly that we must change the way
we think of 'electric' power," Brandis said. "We expect this truck to
demonstrate unprecedented acceleration.
"The theory behind the system suggests that the combination of diesel and
electric propulsion could give drivers more power than today's high-torque,
high-horsepower engines," Brandis said. "We also expect that the system will
reduce operational costs due to the greater fuel efficiency and reduced engine
maintenance requirements."
An additional goal of the project is to investigate methods to make
battery technology more practical for use in commercial applications. In the
near future, it should be possible to reduce the weight and number of
batteries by 50 percent.
Improving Traffic Safety
Concurrent with the project's goals to improve fuel efficiency and reduce
environmental effects, the future tractor will be equipped with advanced
safety systems.
"Traffic safety is a critical issue for the Army, just as it is for
commercial motor carriers," Brandis said. "Historically, 42 percent of
peacetime fatalities suffered by the Army have occurred in convoy accidents.
This truck will be a dramatic test to see how we can apply our well-known
safety expertise to improve peacetime truck safety."
In addition to an Eaton Vorad collision warning system, the truck will
feature a lane-tracking system that will warn the driver prior to an
inadvertent lane change so corrective actions can be taken. It will also
include an electronically enhanced vision system for the operator.
The electric motors will also be used as an auxiliary retarder. During
brake applications, the motor's magnetic field will be reversed to provide
increased stopping ability. The auxiliary retarding effect of the electric
motors will also be used to re-charge the batteries.
Reducing Operating Costs
Routine maintenance associated with conventional vehicles is expected to
be reduced substantially due to the elimination of the mechanical transmission
and reduced workload on the engine. The auxiliary retarding effect of the
electric motor is also projected to double brake life.
"We are committed to developing future drivetrain technologies that will
satisfy the needs of motor carriers," said Gustafson. "At the same time, these
advances must also benefit society by improving traffic safety and reducing
the effects transportation has on the environment."
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc. manufactures commercial trucks and
tractors, including the VN Series, Autocar(R) and Xpeditor(R). Since late
1996, more than 60,000 Volvo VN Series trucks have been ordered and sold, half
of which have come from new accounts.
The company leads the heavy-truck industry in the areas of safety research
and development, quality manufacturing processes and environmental care. Volvo
Trucks also markets heavy-duty diesel engines and rear suspensions.
Headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., Volvo Trucks is an affiliate of Volvo Truck
Corporation, Gothenburg, Sweden.