In order to evaluate the opportunities to use hybrid concepts for heavy commercial vehicles for emerging markets, MAN Latin America has developed a VW refuse truck with 23t GVW using the hybrid hydraulic technology. The in site vehicle tests measurements has indicated a fuel savings up to 25%, which means a reduction around 4.08 liters of diesel/hour or 20 tones CO2/year [1].
Thus, a collaborative cooperation with Rio de Janeiro Sanitation Department (Comlurb) was set for a truck evaluation on a real operation. This 3-month evaluation used one VW 24.280 6×2 hybrid hydraulic refuse truck and other VW refuse truck similar standard diesel. A random dispatch system ensures the vehicles were used in a similar manner. Global positioning system logging, fueling, and maintenance records were used to evaluate the performance of this hybrid hydraulic refuse truck.
Due to the climate and infrastructure conditions, the hydraulic hybridization is a suitable solution for the severe applications of emerging markets. This study aims to evaluate the potential of this technology in real conditions of application, regarding to performance and fuel consumption, compared to a similar conventional diesel truck.