Demonstration vehicles equipped with Volvo Group’s Integrated Starter Alternator Motor (I-SAM) hybrid technology shown last month in Washington, D.C.,
Demonstration vehicles equipped with Volvo Group’s Integrated Starter Alternator Motor (I-SAM) hybrid technology shown last month in Washington, D.C., included a Mack Granite dump model configured for the U.S. Air Force. Volvo Group staged a demonstration at the new House of Sweden embassy to highlight the truck- and bus-suited I-SAM, which company engineers note has the potential to offer fuel savings up to 35 percent, depending on application and driving conditions. Volvo Group is eyeing similar technology for wheel loaders, noting potential fuel savings up to 50 percent compared to models using current drivelines.
The issue of climate change and oil supply and pricing uncertainty makes hybrid drive an extremely attractive technology for our customers, said Volvo CEO Leif Johansson. We can offer technology that saves fuel and the environment and, [represents] good business for society and our customers.
I-SAM is on track for North American availability in 2009 models, with initial target applications including refuse and urban delivery vehicles operating with frequent stop-start cycles.