Volvo Invests in Diesel/Electric Hybrid for Forestry Trucks

Potential to cut fuel consumption by 50% and thereby also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.
from AB Volvo (press release):

Volvo Technology Transfer AB is a new part-owner in El-forest AB, based in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, and is thereby investing in the development of energy efficient and environmentally sound forestry machinery. The investment is part of the Volvo Group’s striving to strengthen its role as a leading supplier to the forestry industry.

The El-forest forwarder is the world’s first forestry machine that uses energy efficient electric-hybrid technology. The technology has attracted great interest and support, among other reasons as a result of its potential to cut fuel consumption by 50% and thereby also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. Due to its lighter weight, although still able to handle the same load as a conventional forwarder of a comparable size, it facilitates more environmentally sound log hauling. Moreover, it has significantly less impact on the external environment through a patented innovative frame construction that enables all wheels, which are individually electrically powered, to follow the same wheel-track with adapted speed. It has attracted major attention from the large forestry machine customers in the Nordic countries as well as from customers in many of the large forest countries worldwide.

Volvo Technology Transfer’s investment in El-forest will accelerate the introduction of the forestry machine and will enable customers to benefit faster from the economical and environmental benefits that the El-forest forwarder promises. The first machine delivery will be to state-owned Sveaskog, Sweden’s largest forest owner, during 2008.

Volvo Technology Transfer AB is part of AB Volvo and focuses on developing and supporting new business relevant to the Volvo Group. Part of the effort is to invest in companies and projects hat are technically and commercially attractive.

November 27, 2007
For further information, please contact Per Wassén, Investment Director Volvo Technology Transfer AB: +46 31-66 91 68 or +46 708-96 00 55