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Hybrid trucks: Delivering the total package
The shipping industry embraces fuel efficiency with hybrid delivery fleets.
Thu, Mar 05 2009 at 8:09 AM
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SPECIAL DELIVERY: Many shipping companies are switching their fleets to more eco-friendly trucks. (Photo: Courtesy UPS)
Today's consumers have options when it comes to buying green — from organic, sustainable, secondhand and recyclable products to companies that offer carbon credits and eco-friendly shipping options. Though hybrid trucks haven't hit a chord with the typical American family, many U.S. businesses have taken notice. Since 2002, diesel-gas hybrids, electric vehicles and now hydraulic hybrid trucks have worked to reduce harmful tailpipe emissions as part of private delivery fleets.
Doing well by doing good
Walmart looks to save $10,000 per truck every year with its new hybrid tractor-trailer designed by Eaton Corp. and Peterbilt. UPS expects a fuel savings of 176,000 gallons of fuel each year now that it's added 200 new hybrid delivery trucks to its fleet. Carbon emissions may or may not present a business expense in the future, but even without these costs figured in, commercial vehicles recoup their investment within just a few years.
Rachel Beckhardt, program manager for the Environmental Defense Fund, pinpoints the gains hybrids offer business and environment. With 250,000 new diesels hitting the roads every year in the United States, and with hybrids improving fuel efficiency by up to 50 percent, making the switch is common sense, she says.
Clearing the air
According to the EDF, medium and heavy-duty trucks account for 6 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Delivery trucks idling in traffic burn unnecessary fuel and kick extra emissions into the air. These particles have been tied to respiratory problems like asthma, heart conditions, cancer, and even lower IQ scores in children.
Hybrid trucks cut emissions by switching to electric motors at low speeds, and shutting down during idling. Coca-Cola's New York hybrid fleet has cut emissions by 32 percent. Electric vehicles used for short hauls can cut emissions to zero. Beckhardt says hybrids cut soot given off by trucks by 96 percent.
Today's hybrids
Most large hybrid trucks fall into two categories: diesel-electric and hydraulic hybrids. Diesel-electric trucks use a diesel engine in combination with an electric motor. Electric power takes over during idling or low speeds, and is charged by the diesel engine and during breaking.
In 2006, Eaton Hydraulics paired with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to create a hydraulic hybrid delivery truck for UPS. James Van der Ven, assistant professor and head of the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems lab at Massachusetts' Worcestor Polytechnic Institute, says HHVs have benefits over electric hybrids.
"The hybrid system can be responsible for the high power transient requirements, such as accelerating from a stop, passing maneuvers or aggressive braking," Van der Ven says. In addition, hydraulic components cost less, last longer and don't present the same environmental risks once they've run their course.
Making a difference
The Climate Group, an organization that works with businesses and government to improve their environmental practices, looks to legislation to encourage hybrid development. In particular, it argues that holding companies financially accountable for their carbon emissions would make the switch to hybrids impossible for companies to ignore.
Other groups, such as the EDF, still believe the average consumer can make an impact. "Ask your local delivery person if their fleet has hybrids," EDF's Beckhardt recommends.
Tomorrow's hybrids rely on advanced battery packs and high-density hydraulic systems. These greater improvements in fuel efficiency could help lead companies toward better choices, and eventually this new technology will filter down to mainstream passenger vehicles.
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Hybrid technology is the best technology developing in automotive world and doing great. I agree with Smurf yes the GM is leading this technology.
Hybrid cars are the future cars, In future every automobile company will focus on these cars, So no one knows who will be the next leading Company.
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its working on safe environment.
This hybrid system works great for stop and go traffic because it uses regenerative braking. Not all trucks would be able to benefit from this system, however. If you look at cranes and bucket trucks, they are stationary most of the day. These trucks use a plug in hybrid system that holds a charge for 6-8 hrs. I'm excited to see where technology takes us in alternative fuel source in the next 20 years.
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Definitely think that the automakers need to start producing some hybrid models of the delivery trucks. These trucks are on the road more often than the average driver as they're delivering packages to and fro.
I am a LEED trainer with Everblue Training Institute, so naturally I want to make sure that i protect the the environment anyway possible. This article enlighten me on the the different hybrid vehicles available and how it is beneficial to have. I also believe having Silver or better LEED certified buildings will ensure a better way of living. We will build this planet up on step at a time.
I cant wait untill there is enough Hybrid Utility trucks on the road like a hybrid Bucket Truck
this could save citys tons of tax payers money
Pollution is so 2005....hybrid is the way to go!
I love that our country is trying to become more green and use more recycled products more and more like buying Used trucks.
By entering into the postal world and better shipping practices. A major contributor to the green house emissions are shipment companies. By reducing your carbon footprint everyone wins.
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I was wondering whc which is more efficient hybrid hydraulics and hybrid diesels in terms of trucks
Corvettes and Cadillacs get > 20 MPG nowadays. How about Lexus, Infinity, Mercedes, and Beemers? Acura? Or do we just make the AMERICAN companies look like the culprit? It's Anti- Americans like you that got us into the trouble we are in regarding the auto industry. Remember which company lost money after 9/11 to stimulate the economy? I give you a clue - NOT any of the ones I named above. Get your head out of your rectum.
With the climate and economy the way it is right now we all need to step up and try to make a difference by doing anything they can to help
bucket trucks
It is great that people are thinking about the environment and working to make the world a safer place. Not only cars and trucks are starting to become eco-friendly but dump trucks have come a long way since the earlier models. We are learning and expanding and coming up with a wide range of safer more effective vehicles for the work force. I think it is great that many auto manufacturers are turning to hybrid vehicles to protect the environment and now they are even using hybrid dump trucks.