Finnish manufacturer of heavy-duty hybrid and electric power systems Visedo and truck manufacturer Sisu Auto have joined together to develop a hybrid electric parallel power system for the heavy truck market capable of delivering 850 kW and more than 5,000 Nm torque.
According to the companies, the system marks an important milestone for hybrid electric power to deliver fuel savings and emissions reductions in the heavy road transport sector.
Visedo, manufacturer of heavy-duty hybrid and electric power, developed the electric power 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 periods 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 Manager Risto Tiainen says, “The revolution to electrify the world’s diesel transport is already under way. After delivering pioneering hybrid and electric power for passenger buses, Visedo is proud to be powering the next generation of cleaner truck transport solutions.”
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 main objective for Visedo and Sisu was to reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions; however, the powerful hybrid system also boosts available low-speed torque. The solution also enables the use of the vehicle with or without electric power, as the drive line is mechanically continuous from the diesel engine to the axle.
Power is delivered via a Visedo permanent-magnet motor, while the mechanical powertrain is controlled by a Visedo inverter and PowerBOOST DC-DC converter. Visedo’s component flexibility enables customer and system-specific customization, simplifying integration with customer systems.
The system supplies additional power and charging automatically, allowing the driver to concentrate on the road. The driver can also keep track of the system’s data and, if required, bypass the automated system to take control.