Unique Swedish refuse collection vehicle runs on gas and loads using
electric power

Waste and recycling company Renova of Gothenburg, Sweden, has developed
a refuse collection vehicle that is unique in the world today. It uses
gas-electric hybrid technology, and was developed in cooperation with
Swedish companies Volvo Trucks, Norba and ETP.
The new vehicle is equipped with an ingenious combination of a gas
engine with a highly efficient catalytic converter and electric-powered
waste compactor, greatly reducing environmental impact with lower fuel
consumption, reduced emissions and quieter operation.

When the vehicle stops for refuse collection, the natural gas powered
engine stops automatically. Loading and compacting is then powered by
the electric motor. Measurements show that this type of rear loading
refuse collection vehicle normally is idling for 60-70 percent of its
shift.

"Our new refuse collection vehicles are quieter and more environment-
friendly than any previous solution. This new vehicle meets the
requirements in the anticipated Euro 4 standard. I'm convinced that
electric hybrid technology will become the model for other heavy
vehicles working in our densely populated urban areas in other
industries as well," says Renova's CEO Christian Baarlid.

Renova AB has received EUR 1.3 million from the EU's environment fund
LIFE to develop, evaluate and perform full-scale testing of 10 electric
hybrid refuse collection vehicles in densely populated residential areas
in central Gothenburg. The aim of the project is to measure the
environmental impact of the vehicle in relation to petrol-powered refuse
collection vehicles. The project is being run in close cooperation with
the City of Gothenburg.

In total, Renova has purchased 14 gas-electric hybrid refuse collection
vehicles, which will be delivered successively between November 2003 and
June 2004. Volvo Trucks will deliver 10 of the vehicles and Mercedes
Benz the other four. Norba AB is supplying the refuse collection and
compaction unit for all 14 vehicles. All the vehicles run on natural gas
(vehicle gas). In total, the purchase will amount to around EUR 2.8
million.

The Volvo vehicles can load around 6 tonnes of refuse while the Mercedes
vehicles can load around 10 tonnes of refuse. The Mercedes vehicles can
also empty containers. The four Mercedes vehicles to be delivered in
2004 to Gothenburg will also be equipped with water hydraulics.

All vehicles will be operated in central Gothenburg in accordance with a
separate agreement with the...