Powering the Present: Volvo’s MHEV Powertrain Technology and Fuel Efficiency
June 05 2023,
The auto industry is rapidly changing, with carmakers worldwide striving to achieve better fuel efficiency while maintaining performance. Leading the pack in this aspect is Volvo with its Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) powertrain technology.
Volvo's MHEV powertrain technology is a significant stride in the right direction for automotive fuel efficiency. A key aspect of this system is the combination of an internal combustion engine with an integrated starter-generator (ISG). The ISG functions to recover energy typically wasted during deceleration, store it in a 48-volt battery, and later use it to assist the engine during acceleration. This procedure helps reduce the load on the engine, improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions without sacrificing performance.
Additionally, Volvo's MHEV powertrain incorporates a technology called "regenerative braking." When the vehicle is decelerating or coming to a halt, the kinetic energy, which is usually lost as heat, is instead converted into electrical energy. This energy is stored in the battery and is later used to power the electrical systems and assist the engine, further improving fuel efficiency.
Moreover, the MHEV system intelligently uses the energy stored in the battery during various instances, such as quick acceleration or climbing a steep hill, reducing the demand on the petrol engine and improving overall fuel consumption. The engine-off coasting feature, which switches off the engine when the car is coasting at high speeds, further extends the fuel economy.
Volvo's commitment to fuel efficiency does not end there. The company's MHEV technology is capable of running the car’s electrical systems entirely on stored energy, allowing the engine to switch off even when the vehicle is idling in traffic, a significant fuel-saving measure in stop-and-go city traffic.
A crucial point about Volvo's MHEV powertrain is that it does not require being plugged in or any additional infrastructure to reap the benefits of this hybrid technology. This makes it a more accessible choice for consumers looking for greener transportation options without the possible inconvenience or costs associated with fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Overall, Volvo's MHEV powertrain technology showcases the potential of cleverly combining traditional combustion engines with mild electrification. It has proven to improve fuel efficiency considerably without sacrificing performance, offering consumers a practical, effective solution to reducing their carbon footprint and fuel costs.
