UPS Brown Truck Turning Green

The US EPA and United Parcel Service (UPS) have partnered to develop the world’s most fuel-efficient, cost-effective delivery vehicle. The first of its kind UPS truck uses EPA-patented hydraulic hybrid technology that increases fuel efficiency by 60-70% in urban driving while lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.

Laboratory tests show that this hybrid technology has the potential to reduce fuel use by 1000 gallons a year per vehicle for package delivery vehicles, shuttle and transit buses, and refuse pickup. 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.

The partnership is 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.

UPS and the EPA are also working with DaimlerChrysler to obtain practical knowledge about operating hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in a commercial delivery fleet.

UPS operates one of the largest delivery fleets in the world and has invested over $15 million in its alternative fuel fleet, which is currently operating 1500 hydrogen fuel cell, liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, electric and propane-powered trucks in the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany and Brazil. It will add 50 third-generation technology hybrid electric vehicles to its fleet over the next year – which are expected to deliver a 35% improvement in fuel economy. It will also put 4,100 low emission vehicles into service in 2006, on top of the 8,000 such vehicles already in its fleet. In total, alternative fueled vehicles constitute about 14% of its fleet.

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