Volvo Mean Green Hybrid Truck Breaks World Speed Records

The Volvo hybrid truck, Mean Green, achieved two world speed records on April 27 at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA.

Mean Green hybrid truck achieved the following world record speeds: Flying Kilometer - 236.577 km/h (147.002 mph) and Standing Kilometer - 153.252 km/h (95.245 mph).

Mean Green features a highly tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo's automated IShift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid's electric motor.

The combination of an electric motor and Volvo D16 diesel engine delivers 2,100 horsepower and nearly 6,780 Nm (5,000 lb-ft.) torque - of which, 200 horsepower and 1,200 Nm (885 lb-ft.) of torque come from the electric motor.

Mean Green didn't hit its planned top velocity of 165 mph, but 147 mph is still a respectable speed for a truck originally meant for hauling trailers down a highway.

The speed record attempts were sanctioned by the United States Auto Club, an extension of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), motoring's international governing body.

The new world records are subject to FIA recognition, which will occur in about 30 to 60 days.

Though Mean Green's modified aerodynamic body design bears little resemblance to a freight-hauling tractor, the truck is comprised almost entirely of production components from the Volvo vehicle family, including a Volvo VN cab and frame.