InfraStructures - October 2007 - Peterbilt Medium Duty Hybrids in Full Production in 2008

Peterbilt Medium Duty Hybrids in Full Production in 2008

Peterbilt Medium Duty Hybrid vehicles, developed in conjunction with Eaton Corporation, will launch into full production as early as March of 2008, the company announced during its press conference at the 2007 Great American Trucking Show.

Peterbilt will offer the Model 330 hybrid electric for pick-up and delivery applications and the Model 335 hybrid electric for stationary PTO applications.

The Model 330 is powered by the PACCAR PX-6 engine rated at 240 hp and 560 ft-lbs of torque. With the hybrid system engaged, horsepower increases to 300 and torque to 860 ft-lbs. This configuration is ideal for stop-and-go use and can result in 30% fuel savings.

The Model 335 is also powered by the PACCAR PX-6 engine which regenerates lithium-ion batteries to electrically operate the PTO, ideal for municipal and utility applications. During typical stationary operation of the PTO, the engine needs to run only about 1/6th of the time versus non-hybrid vehicles.

Maintenance requirements are also reduced from less wear on the engine and the brakes, as its workload is supplemented by the electric motor and the charging of the battery retards the motion of the vehicle.

Peterbilt continues development of hybrid Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA®) technology, currently being evaluated on Peterbilt's low-cab-forward Model 320, for vocational and stop-and-go applications such as refuse collection.

The system recycles a truck's kinetic energy to conserve fuel and assist in acceleration. While in fuel economy mode, testing has proven a significant improvement in fuel efficiency and has also shown more than a 50% reduction in brake wear. The system also reduces engine and transmission wear, potentially extending component life and lowering service costs. It is also more environmentally friendly by decreasing exhaust emissions and noise.

Source: Peterbilt Motor Company