Mission accomplished for 'Mean Green'

Volvo's hybrid racing truck, 'Mean Green', sets than three new acceleration and speed records

The truck, previously reported by OATS when development started last year, accomplished its record-breaking mission at Sweden's Hultsfred Airport, with truck racer Boije Ovebrink at the wheel.

Producing 1900hp from its 16 litre Volvo Penta engine and 1100Nm of torque from its 200hp electric motor, the bright green truck used electricity to power it from a standing start, setting off in ninth gear.

The result of all the power, despite added weight from the battery pack and electric motor, saw 'Mean Geen' surge past the first 500m at 115.349km/h - a new world record for a hybrid vehicle - and 152.253km/h at the 1000m mark, clinching the second world record.

The final average speed for the record run was 218.780km/h, breaking the Swedish hybrid speed record.  All three were the first ever records for hybrid vehicles and had to include the vehicle being driven for 1000m solely on electric power to validate its hybrid status.   Unsurprisingly, 'Mean Green' had no problem with the task.

The records remain unofficial at present until ratified by motosport and automotive's governing body, the FIA, which sent a representative to ther record attempt.

Tags: And finally, automotive industry, Europe, motorsport, Volvo