US Hybrid’s near-zero hybrid powertrain developed for long-haul, drayage fleets

US Hybrid, a subsidiary of Ideanomics, launched a near-zero-emission natural gas-powered parallel hybrid powertrain technology for drayage and long-haul trucks that also can offer vehicle-to-vehicle charging technology.

After six years of research, development, and testing, US Hybrid's new manufacturer-agnostic technology was unveiled during the 2022 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Long Beach, California. The company said its powertrain would deliver more power, range, and efficiencies than diesel-powered engines or other compressed natural gas (CNG) or renewable natural gas (RNG) alternatives.

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"We have reached another milestone on our path to accelerate the transition to commercial electrification," said Macy Neshati, interim CEO at US Hybrid. "US Hybrid spends years perfecting our technology before it is brought to market. Our pathway to commercialization delivers a proven solution backed by data. Fleet customers can feel confident in the performance and reliability of US Hybrid's new powertrain.”

According to specs from US Hybrid, its new technology offers:

• More power: 640 horsepower combined power and 1,770 lb.-ft. maximum torque from the natural gas-powered engine. The electric motor enables uphill acceleration with superior performance compared to its diesel engine alternatives.
• Less fuel: A smaller 8.9-liter Near-Zero NOx engine will operate more efficiently, resulting in double fuel economy than a standard 15-liter engine and reducing fueling costs.
• Better range: Preliminary testing suggests this fuel-efficient technology can deliver up to 1,000 miles of range per fuel fill, doubling range, power, and torque for similar CNG/RNG trucks.
• Increased efficiency: The improvement in CNG engine performance paralleled with the electric motor, with appropriate controls, for transient load uptake results in lower NOx emissions and lower fuel consumption.
• Near-zero emission: It emits lower than 0.02 g/bhp-hr of nitrogen dioxide and will significantly improve the air quality of neighborhoods near ports and warehouses.
• Zero-emission port and harbor operations: Its technology delivers a lower HSE (health, safety, and environmental) impact on port operations and the surrounding communities.
• Roadside charging: The technology can add near-zero-emission roadside charging assistance to standard long-haul fleet operators.

"The ACT Expo is the largest clean fleet event in North America, and Ideanomics' operating companies are showcasing what we bring to the table from Solectrac's electric tractors to WAVE's inductive charging pads," said Robin Mackie, president of mobility at Ideanomics. "US Hybrid is integral in our work to accelerate the transition to electrification. The new near-zero-emission powertrain paired with industry-first V2V charging and support from Ideanomics' capital-as-a-service offerings greatly simplify the path to electrification for fleet owners."