FedEx Freight has entered into an agreement whereby Vision Industries Corp. will equip a tractor with its Tyrano hydrogen/electric hybrid drivetrain. The tractor will be tested for one year, FedEx said, to evaluate the operationally ability of the zero emission technology.
“It is our goal to be involved in projects such as this to further the advancement of alternative fuels that both reduce our dependence on foreign oil and are good for the environment,” said Douglas G. Duncan, president & CEO, FedEx Freight. “We are excited about technological advancements we see today in transportation and look forward to what the future holds in this arena.”
According to Vision Industries, its Tyrano heavy-duty Class 8 truck that uses hydrogen/electric power is 35% cheaper to operate than a diesel-powered vehicle and 50% cheaper than one run on liquefied natural gas while producing zero emissions.
The Tyrano hydrogen drive uses 33 Kg of gaseous hydrogen with a standard operating range of 200 mi. over eight hours and an extended range of 400 mi. over eight hours, according to the company. With a peak output of 536 hp., if offers 3,300 lb.-ft. of torque, which is electronically limited to the maximum transmission torque input needed.
“We applaud the FedEx vision of an environmentally friendly heavy-duty truck fleet,” said Martin Schuermann, president & CEO of Vision. “We believe that our zero emission Tyrano-powered vehicle will help FedEx Freight work toward its goal of reducing its carbon footprint.”
