Volvo Penta is continuing work on its hybrid and all-electric drivelines with the aim to offer electrified solutions in both its marine and industrial segments by 2021.
'We will take a full systems supplier approach helping our customers in the transition to the new technology. This will happen application-by-application, on the basis that the business case for switching to electric will differ across our many customer segments,' says Björn Ingemanson, president of Volvo Penta.
'This is the start of a long-term transition,' he adds. 'Diesel and gasoline-powered primary drive systems will remain the most appropriate power source for many applications for years to come.'
Sustainable Power Solutions Road Map
'Volvo Penta is already several years into its electrification journey,' says Johan Inden, chief technology officer.
'We have spent this time building competencies, experience and establishing the technologies required to deliver a sustainable power solutions road map. The advanced engineering projects we are currently running, and the performance data received gives us confidence that we are on the right technology path to offer customers a compelling business case for electrification.'
Accelerated Switch to Electrified Power
As part of this increased commitment, Volvo Penta has restructured its organisation to accelerate the switch towards electrified power and has committed to an ambitious ramping up of its electrification investment programme. An electromobility development-and-test laboratory has also been established at its Swedish headquarters.
Early Prototypes and System Validation
While the power outputs and applications of the initial electric systems are being kept confidential for the time being, the company has announced that both hybrid and all-electric solutions will be offered at the outset. Volvo Penta is already field testing early prototypes and system validation is under way.
Picture: Volvo Penta’s chief technology officer, Johan Carlsson, and system engineer, Karin Åkman, discuss innovation for electromobility at the company’s new development-and-test laboratory in Gothenburg.
