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Volvo has launched what it claims is the world’s first hybrid refuse truck in partnership with recycling firms Renova and Ragn-Sells.

Two trucks will be tested in day-to-day operations for one year with the aim of starting full production in 2009. Volvo says the project is part of its plan to make hybrid heavy vehicles commercially viable.

President and CEO Staffan Jufors said: “This is the last stage in the evaluation of our hybrid solution ahead of production launch.”

The project combines a diesel engine with an electric motor. The motor is used to pull away and accelerate up to 20 km/h; beyond these speeds the diesel engine is activated.

The vehicle's batteries are recharged using power generated through braking, a system that Volvo says is highly suited to the start-stop nature of refuse collection.

Volvo expects hybrid technology’s first uses in urban operations but hopes to expand this to long-haul and construction industries.

“Lower fuel consumption will be of immense interest to our customers, irrespective of the type of haulage operations with which they work,” said the group.