It would be a shame to ignore the heavy vehicle hybrid sector. Apparently, work on this front are heavily going on too. Truck manufacturer, Bellevue-based Paccar Inc intends to make available hybrid-power medium-duty trucks in 2008.



However, Paccar is already beaten on its self-proclaimed race; currently Portland-based Freightliner (a unit of DaimlerChrysler) supplies 93 hybrid-power chassis to FedEx and UPS for walk-in vans. Then there is King County Metro, which operates a fleet of 214 articulated hybrid buses. Following Paccar is renowned automaker, Volvo Group that recently announced its plans to introduce hybrid-technology trucks for in-city distribution and refuse trucks.



FedEx says it has cut fuel costs by a third with the use of these hybrid trucks. UPS too believes it will save 44,000 gallons a year by using those hybrids.



Paccar is also promoting Clean Power (Kenworth) and Comfort Class (Peterbilt) systems, which use a battery-charging system while the truck is moving. This systems allows the use of battery when the run is parked to run heating and cooling systems and electrical accessories. Paccar believes this system will result in an 8 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.



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