Peterbilt developing environmentally-friendly hybrid

[Fledermaus]

You can thank Bill Clinton and the EPA for hydraulic hybrid truck. The Japanese or the Europeans didn't come up with this stuff. We did. They cost less than half as much as a electric hybrid upgrade.

Also on the hybrid front, Peterbilt announced it will enter full production of its hybrid Model 320 Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA) truck in the fourth quarter of this year. The hydraulic hybrid is well-suited for vocational stop-and-go applications such as refuse collection, company officials explained at Mid-America. Similar to the hybrid-electric drive trucks, the hydraulic system captures kinetic energy produced during braking and then uses that energy to help launch and accelerate the truck. However, that energy is transferred hydraulically rather than through the use of batteries.

Peterbilt officials said the HLA truck will not only save fuel, but will extend brake re-alignment service intervals by 50% per year.

"The Model 320 HLA is an ideal environmental option for refuse applications," Jackson said. "Dramatic improvements in fuel economy, reductions in emissions and lower maintenance costs spotlight the Peterbilt Model 320 Hydraulic Hybrid as the environmentally-responsible, fuel-efficient solution for municipal and residential solid waste transportation fleets."

The HLA vehicle can be operated in either "fuel economy" or "performance" modes. When operated in fuel economy mode, savings are achieved when the stored energy is used to launch the vehicle on its own. In performance mode, the stored energy is blended with power generated by the diesel engine, which still allows for fuel savings, but also results in improved acceleration and performance.

http://www.trucknews.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=82200&issue=03312008

Hydraulic Hybrid - The Most Efficient Lowest Cost Hybrids

Through the use of innovative hydraulic hybrid technology EPA and its industry partners have been able to create the most efficient and cost-effective powertrain technology in the world. EPA has been able to improve city fuel economy of a UPS package car by 70% and reduce CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. The unique energy recovery technology used while braking reduces brake wear by 75%, increasing the net savings substantially.

A fleet owner operating one of these high efficiency vehicles would save up to 1,000 gallons of fuel each year.

What is even more astounding is that the additional cost for this technology manufactured in high volume has the potential to be less than 15% of the price of the base vehicle. At current fuel prices, this technology will pay for itself in two to three years.

http://www.epa.gov/OMS/technology/420f06043.htm