(SKOVDE, Sweden) — Volvo Penta has issued a clear statement of intent with the news that by 2021 it will provide electrified power solutions for both its land and sea-based business segments.
Underpinned by the success of hybrid and all-electric technology introduced by the Volvo Group, Volvo Penta’s electrified solutions will demonstrate the company’s long-term commitment to offering customers the latest and most appropriate power source for their user applications.
“Volvo Penta is embracing the electric transformation and will be at the forefront in delivering compelling business cases to customers using this new technology,” said Bjorn Ingemanson, president of Volvo Penta.
“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.
“This is the start of a long-term transition,” he added. “Diesel and gasoline-powered primary drive systems will remain the most appropriate power source for many applications for years to come.”
“Volvo Penta is already several years into its electrification journey,” said 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.”
As part of this increased commitment, Volvo Penta has restructured its organization to accelerate the switch towards electrified power and has committed to an ambitious ramping up of its electrification investment program. An electromobility development-and-test laboratory has also been established at its Swedish headquarters.
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.
The ability to offer customers an electrified option means Volvo Penta can deliver the most appropriate power source based on customer needs and application specifics.
For more information, visit www.volvopenta.com.