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How clever tech on Volvo EC300E Hybrid saves fuel

by Kyle Molyneux  |  Thu 06 Feb 2020

How clever tech on Volvo EC300E Hybrid saves fuel

Volvo CE has revealed details of a trick efficiency-boosting system on its new EC300E Hybrid, which is now available for order in North America and will make its regional show debut at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Unlike other systems that capture the swing energy of an excavator’s superstructure to electrically assist the engine, Volvo’s novel hydraulic hybrid takes ‘free’ energy generated by the boom down motion and uses it to reduce fuel consumption. The powerful and regular boom-down motion charges 20-litre (5.2 gallon) hydraulic accumulators, which then deliver energy to drive hydraulic assist motors that help power the hydraulic pump. There are the same levels of controllability and performance as the standard EC300E, including the ability to work in ECO Mode and Hybrid Mode simultaneously.

This capability takes load off the engine and in the process delivers up to 15% lower fuel consumption and 12% less CO2 emissions than a conventional machine. When used in high production ‘dig and dump’ applications – especially those within a 90-degree swing – the fuel saving payback is approximately two years, and all with no loss of performance. Not only is the idea simple – the componentry is too, reckons Volvo – consisting of just a few add-on components that are simple to maintain. At this time, the hybrid system is not available for aftermarket installation.

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