Peterbilt’s medium duty hybrids vehicles eligible for tax credit

According to Peterbilt's web site, medium duty hybrids are green in more ways than one. Peterbilt’s medium duty hybrids vehicles purchased in the United States are eligible to receive a tax credit of up to $12,000 from the federal government.

According to Peterbilt...

The Department of Treasury’s heavy manufacturing and transportation group certified the Peterbilt Model 335 Class 7 and Model 330 Class 6 Hybrid Electric vehicles as eligible for these credits.

The maximum $12,000 credit for Class 7 hybrids is available for the Model 335 Hybrid Electric in both utility-boom and pickup and delivery applications when equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 engine and an Eaton hybrid system.

A $6,000 credit, the maximum for Class 6 hybrids, is available for the Model 330 Class 6 Hybrid Electric in utility-boom and pickup-and-delivery applications when equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 engine and an Eaton hybrid system.

“Peterbilt’s product breadth in hybrid vehicles is pacing the industry with research and development in four applications for Class 6 through Class 8 trucking segments,” says Larry Reding, assistant general manager of sales and marketing, Peterbilt Motors Company. “The federal tax credit combined with the over 30 percent fuel efficiency gains makes these products very attractive for our environmentally conscious customers.”

Source: Peterbilt

Peterbilt showcases Class 8 hybrid electric vehicle

Peterbilt Motors Company recently showcased its Class 8 hybrid electric vehicle – the Model 386 – in conjunction with the SmartWay of Going Green Seminar at the Ontario Trucking Association Convention.

“Peterbilt leads the way in the development of hybrid solutions in the heavy duty market with our Model 386 hybrid electric for customers as they battle higher fuel costs and place a greater emphasis on environmental stewardship,” says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President.

The Model 386 Heavy-Duty Hybrid, a joint-development vehicle with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Eaton, utilizes a hybrid electric system for long-haul applications for both on-road and idle reduction fuel efficiency gains. On the road, the expected fuel savings is 5-7% through improved launching, accelerating and hill climbing capabilities.

When the idle reduction mode is active, engine operation is limited to battery charging, an automatically controlled process that takes approximately five minutes per hour to fully charge the system. During rest periods, a 90% reduction in idling has been achieved while providing high-power A/C, 120VAC, and 12VDC to accommodate the sleeper hotel loads.

Source: Peterbilt

Mack Granite model dump truck displayed at Hybrid Truck User Forum

Wired.com features a story and photos of the recent Hybrid Truck User Forum (HTUF) in Seattle.

One of the trucks that at the forum was a Mack Granite model dump truck, built for the Air Force's Advanced Power Technology Office (APTO) and currently stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

The Mack Truck homepage features more details...

"Hybrid systems can have a major impact on reducing the more than 38 billion gallons of diesel fuel the U.S. trucking industry consumes every year," said Paul L. Vikner, president and CEO of Mack. "Mack's research indicates that hybrid electric systems in heavy-duty trucks could save as much as 35 percent of the fuel consumed by conventionally powered vehicles."

"Thanks to the support of the Air Force and Congress, we've already met many of the challenges involved in turning the hybrid concept into a reality in heavy-duty trucks," Vikner said. "Mack is proud to play a leading role in making these cleaner, quieter, fuel-efficient vehicles significant contributors to the prosperity of our customers - and our country - in the future."

The Mack hybrid electric powertrain features an integrated starter, alternator and motor referred to collectively as an electric machine. The electric machine assists the Granite vehicle's Mack® MP7 diesel engine in providing torque to the wheels and regenerates energy during braking. This energy (stored in ultracapacitors) is then used in place of diesel fuel.

This technology provides the maximum fuel savings on routes with frequent braking and accelerations, particularly refuse collection and urban delivery, as well as certain construction applications.

Source: Wired.com and Mack Trucks

Hybrid Truck User Forum meets in Seattle

A preview of the future of trucking is taking place in Seattle, Washington during the Hybrid Truck User Forum meeting.

The 2007 HTUF National Meeting is taking place September 19-21. PACCAR Inc is hosting the meeting with sponsorship from Eaton Hybrid Power Systems.According to the official site...

The biggest meeting to date features top fleet and industry speakers and nearly 20 medium- and heavy-duty hybrid vehicles for the ride and drive. As always, the focus is on moving hybrids into production, and 2007 is shaping up as a milestone year.

The national meeting agenda is available on the HTUF site.

Kenworth will be showcasing four medium duty diesel-electric hybrid trucks at the meeting. According to Kenworth's site...

“Hybrid technology looks very promising in the commercial vehicle market,” said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president, who noted that PACCAR, Kenworth’s parent company, is this year’s host and a sponsor of the forum. “Kenworth recently started deliveries of its medium duty diesel-electric truck, which is targeted for pickup and delivery operations, municipal fleets and utilities. The hybrid will go into full production in 2008.”