Eaton Corp. announced that customers of its hybrid systems have collectively accumulated more than 200 million miles of service. At the same time, those same customers have reduced diesel fuel consumption by 8 million gals. and emissions by 80,000 metric tons.
The announcement was made this week at the Hybrid, Electric and High Efficiency Truck Users Forum (HTUF) 2011 National Conference in Baltimore.
More than 5,500 of Eaton’s hybrid systems are in use today worldwide on city buses, school buses, package delivery trucks, beverage delivery trucks, refrigerated delivery trucks, refuse and recycling trucks, utility vehicles and other commercial applications, the company said.
A spokesman said Eaton will begin working with vehicle manufacturers in 2012 to certify technologies with the Environmental Protection Agency to assist in complying with new fuel economy and greenhouse gas regulations that go into effect in 2014.
Benefits of the Eaton hybrid systems include fuel savings up to 35%, with similar percentages in emissions reductions, extended brake life and idle time reductions of up to 87% during work-site operations, according to the company.
Companies such as FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola Enterprises and PepsiCo are using delivery vehicles with Eaton hybrid systems. Work trucks with Eaton hybrid power are also in service at Florida Power and Light, and many utility and telecom companies across North America and city bus transit fleets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Eaton began commercial production of its hybrid hydraulic system known as Hydraulic Launch Assist in the fall of 2010. Eaton hybrid electric and hybrid hydraulic power systems are available through various truck and bus manufacturers globally including Crane Carrier Corp., DAF, Daimler, Ford, Foton, Freightliner, International, Iveco, JNP, King Long, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Solaris, Tata, YoungMan, Yutong and Zhongtong.
“Eaton’s leadership position in hybrid power systems is expanding, and we’re seeing global acceptance of hybrid technology among truck and bus manufacturers as well as fleet owners and operators,” said John Ritter, vice president and general manager of Eaton’s Hybrid Power Systems Division. “Many initial hybrid customers are returning to place orders for trucks and buses, and a record number of new customers are starting to step forward and experience the benefits of our proven technology.”
