Visedo, Finnish manufacturer of heavy duty electric powertrains, developed the system for a proof-of-concept vehicle that integrates the parallel hybrid drive, which draws power from both an electric motor and a diesel engine connected via the same axle.
The electric motor assists the diesel engine during peak periods and charges energy storage during the off-peak via supercapacitors. Locating the electric motor between the engine and gearbox ensures simple assembly with no need to alter the existing chassis or suspension structure.
Visedo developed the electric drive system to work in parallel with the Mercedes-Benz OM471 and OM473 diesel engines, which are used in the Sisu Polar truck range.
“The revolution to electrify the world’s diesel transport is already underway,” says Risto Tiainen of Visedo.
“After delivering pioneering hybrid and electric power for passenger buses, Visedo is proud to be powering the next generation of cleaner truck transport solutions.”
The system was unveiled at Kuljetus 2017, a transport trade show in Finland.