Posted on 06/22/2006 12:18:32 PM PDT by eraser2005
Washington, D.C. - June 21, 2006) Your normal UPS delivery truck will not be the same as EPA unveils the world's most fuel-efficient and cost-effective delivery vehicle. The first of its kind, EPA and UPS partnered to develop a UPS truck that uses EPA-patented hydraulic hybrid technology that can achieve fuel efficiency by 60-70 percent in urban driving and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent.
"EPA and our partners are not just delivering packages with this UPS truck – we are delivering environmental benefits to the American people," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "President Bush is moving technology breakthroughs from the labs to the streets. We are doing what is good for our environment, good for our economy, and good for our nation's energy security."
Laboratory tests show that this hybrid technology has the potential to dramatically improve the fuel economy for package delivery vehicles, shuttle and transit buses, and refuse pickup. More than 1,000 gallons of fuel each year could be saved per vehicle. EPA estimates that upfront costs for the hybrid components could be recouped in fewer than three years for a typical delivery vehicle. The net savings over the vehicle's lifespan could exceed $50,000, assuming current fuel prices.
The vehicle features a full hydraulic hybrid powertrain and a unique hydraulic hybrid propulsion system integrated with the drive axle. Hydraulic motors and hydraulic tanks are used to store energy, in contrast to electric motors and batteries used in electric hybrid vehicles. Like other hybrid systems, energy saved when applying the brakes is reused to help accelerate the vehicle. Following a road tour of EPA Regional offices, the vehicle will be delivering UPS packages across Michigan this summer.
This partnership is occurring through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements, which Congress established to facilitate technology transfer of patented inventions from national laboratories to industry and the marketplace. Partners on the project are Eaton Corp., UPS, International Truck and Engine Corp., U.S. Army – National Automotive Center, and Morgan-Olson. Major technical support was provided by FEV Engine Technology Inc. and Southwest Research Institute.
Interesting. I wonder what the added maintenance costs, and potential loss in performance are with this system on an SUV.
Seems like fleets are a good place to introduce, test, and refine technology like this before it makes it to the wider market.
}:-)4
http://www.newtechspy.com/articles06/hydraulichybrid.html
F-150 at 60 mpg.
Yes, but will it chirp second gear?
Interesting. Thanks for the link.
Good for UPS.
Carolyn
I've heard those rumors, too - frankly I don't think 60 mpg will happen. However, I do think that ~40-45 mpg in a diesel/hydraulic hybrid is a reasonable goal. The Expedition is just an F-150 with a little more carpeting, seating, and a top on the back - so logic would say a lighter F-150 would get better than the 32 mpg of the Expedition... going to diesel could boost mileage another chunk....
60 mpg is just a bit far out there.... I'd love to see it, though... :)
Well, logic would say that you might be a wash in terms of maintenance -
Hydraulic systems are generally extremely reliable provided that they stay sealed. How often do you have to have the brake system on your car serviced, other than pads and rotors? That should be equivalent to about how often a hydraulic hybrid would need servicing. You should also save on wear and tear on your brakes....
The downside is that these systems are pretty big and heavy, so don't expect to see them on small cars anytime soon. That's probably the only effect on performance you'll see, though - as its heavier, it will lose a little acceleration... of course the idea of a "performance SUV" is pretty ridiculous... :)
UPS should end up a huge winner with these. Their delivery fleet consists of 91,700 vehicles. They claim over 1000 gallons saved per vehicle, but it is likely much higher. They currently average just 8.5 mpg, and UPS spends $1.4 billion per year on fuel. They should easily be able to cut the fuel bill for delivery trucks in half...
Thats a LOT of savings...
Yep. This looks custom-made for a fleet like Big Brown's.
And if they shrink the system down a little in a few years, maybe the Postal Service can start phasing it in when they replace their LLVs.
}:-)4
So, once the savings have paid for the fleet transformation, UPS will rebate their fuel surcharge (which they instituted back in 1998 or so, IIRC), won't they? /s
Which I am sure will be promptly passed along to the consumer, lol.
Which I am sure will be promptly passed along to the consumer, lol.
"So, once the savings have paid for the fleet transformation, UPS will rebate their fuel surcharge (which they instituted back in 1998 or so, IIRC), won't they? /s"
Great minds think alike BUMP!
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