Eco-Friendly Trucks Cary NC

Source: PRO SALES MAGAZINE
Publication date: August 14, 2007

By Stephani L. Miller

The benefits that hybrid versions of cars, light-duty pickups, and SUVs bring to the environment–as well as to the driver's wallet, given today's fuel costs–soon will extend to medium-duty fleet operators. Several truck manufacturers are developing hybrid work trucks, with a few aiming to release theirs to the North American market in the next year.

Peterbilt, International Truck, Kenworth, Mack Trucks, Volvo, Mitsubishi Fuso, and Freightliner are in various stages of developing diesel-electric hybrid trucks for medium-duty applications. Some are developing models for utility and delivery applications, while others are initially focusing on refuse collection. Most manufacturers expect to develop hybrids for additional applications, including materials distribution and delivery.

Medium-duty hybrids offer greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions than standard systems with equal or better performance, manufacturers report. Hybrid systems are most valuable to those operating in urban environments because they use "regenerative braking." During braking, a hybrid's electric motor is used to slow the truck by operating in reverse, generating energy that is then stored in the batteries for later use, such as at the next move away from a stop.

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