Mean Green is the fastest hybrid truck in the world. However, it will attempt a new speed record in excess of 260 km/h (165 mph). The event will be held on April 27th at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA. The truck will try to beat its own world speed records set only last year by ‘Mean Green's driver, Boije Ovebrink.

The Volvo-built hybrid currently holds speed records in the standing 500 metre, standing kilometre and flying kilometre – international speed standards*.

"Technology and innovation are at the core of our business," commented Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing.

"Mean Green' is a prime example of Volvo's technical capabilities and our continued focus on emerging technologies. Our engineers developed the world's fastest hybrid truck utilising the same Volvo hybrid drive system powering hundreds of Volvo buses throughout the world - including London's double-decker buses.", he added.

Mean Grean features adapted hybrid driveline and chassis to meet requirements of a world-class truck built for speed. Engineers then outfitted ‘Mean Green' with a highly-tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo's automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid's electric motor.

"The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine delay," said the driver - Boije Ovebrink,

"Mean Green's owner and driver. "It's like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects. For the first couple of seconds the truck just makes a slight whistle until the diesel engine, which runs on renewable liquid rosin diesel, starts delivering with an explosive force." – he added.

Mean-Green - Volvo Hybrid Truck

The powerful truck develops 2100HP (1544 kW) and 6779Nm (5000 lb-ft) of torque. From these massive powerl, just 200HP and 1200Nm (885 lb-ft) come from the electric motor.

Aerodynamics also plays a vital role in achieving top speed, so Volvo designers selected a North American VN cab and sculpted the optimal aerodynamic shape for the truck.

Mean Green features modified versions of the following Volvo production components:

  • Volvo hybrid motor
  • Volvo hybrid battery
  • Volvo D16 diesel engine
  • Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission
  • Volvo VN cab and frame
  • Rear axle with 1.85:1 ratio

During its North American tour, Mean Green will also visit Truck World, in Toronto (April 19 to 21) and the Volvo Ocean Race when it reaches in Miami (May 17 to 20).

Source: Volvo