Volvo’s hybrid truck, bus tech to power future marine products

However, it says a big step forward in battery technology will be key to making its plans work.

“The needs of environmental sustainability and customers’ business requirements are getting ever closer, as electrified options become increasingly feasible,” Peter Granqvist, Volvo Penta’s recently appointed product development senior vice-president, said.

“The individual needs across industries such as construction, mining and materials handling do vary – just as they do for commercial and leisure marine applications," he said.

"However, there is now a clear trend from all customer groups: the need for cleaner, quieter and more efficient drivelines.”

But the engine maker has warned that work still needs to be done on battery capacity, weight and charging times before the technology can become viable.

>> Hybrid coming to Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta has set itself a 2021 deadline for the introduction of petrol- and diesel-electric hybrid systems to its engines, including its marine products. It announced last month that it plans to introduce an all-electric truck to the North American market.

Exactly how the engine maker plans to introduce its hybrid and fully electric drivetrains, and how they will perform, remains a closely guarded secret.

A hybrid Volvo-badged concept truck teased last year shut down the diesel engine for about 30 percent of the time that the vehicle was running. Like a hybrid-engined car, the truck also was able to scrape up energy normally lost during braking, and convert it to electricity which was then stored in batteries to be used later when more performance was needed from the engine.

Boats, though, don’t run downhill, meaning they will need to find another way of clawing back energy losses.

Boatsales.com.au contacted Volvo Penta to ask how the hybrid truck technology could be adapted for marine engines. We’re yet to receive an answer.

The ability to run under electrical power alone is becoming an increasingly common feature as marinas and local governments get tough on boat-sourced emissions in built-up areas such as marinas.

And just like in a car, an electric motor can help a petrol or diesel marine engine when it is in one of its least fuel-efficient phases – coming up from a standing start and onto a plane.

The hybrid systems, which can be designed to decouple from the conventional engine, are also considered an alternative means of propulsion should the main engines on a craft fail.

Volvo Penta has started making a big push into marine technology that ties in with its engines division. These projects have included a dynamic positioning system that will allow boats using its engines to hold station, an active anti-corrosion system that counteracts electrolysis, and an automated control system for tow and wake boats.

>> Volvo Penta launches plug-and-play wakeboard system

It also has recently developed an active ride control system that can reduce the amount of pitch and roll experienced by a boat travelling at cruising speed by up to 60 per cent.