Freightliner, customer build first-ever hybrid tankwagon

Freightliner Trucks has announced that by working together with one its fleet customers, Diesel Direct, the two firms have developed the “first ever” diesel-electric hybrid fuel tankwagon. This specialized Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid will be used to deliver fuel to fleets primarily in Massachusetts.

Boston-based Diesel Direct runs custom-designed tankwagon delivery trucks to provide on-site diesel refueling to national, regional and local fleets as well as to storage tanks and stationary equipment throughout the U.S. According to Direct Diesel, it is one of the nation’s largest mobile refuelers. It delivers fuel to Fortune 500 firms and private companies.

“Because our goal is to provide our customers with a reliable and efficient solution that reduces driver downtime, it’s imperative that our equipment is of the highest quality,” said Dan Abrams, founder and president of Diesel Direct. “That’s why when we decided to develop our new diesel electric hybrid fuel truck, we turned to Freightliner Trucks.”

Diesel Direct’s Freightliner Business Class M2 106 uses Eaton’s hybrid-electric drivetrain, a parallel-type hybrid system that enables the truck to operate either using the diesel engine alone or in combination with its hybrid electric motor.

“One of our biggest expenses is just to fuel our own trucks,” said Abrams. “With the new Freightliner truck, we expect to save at least 25% to 30% in fuel consumption.”

According to Abrams, Diesel Direct also sought to create an alternative solution to not only save money on fuel, but to be a “good neighbor,” too. “With our new electric hybrid truck, we can shut off the engine while pumping fuel, which not only significantly reduces fuel consumption, but greatly decreases noise,” he said. “We often pump fuel at night and in residential neighborhoods, so it’s a real benefit.”

Abrams noted that the Freightliner Business Class M2 106 also features great visibility and functionality, plus a comfortable, smooth ride. “The team really loves this truck – it is a sweet piece of machinery,” he added.