Hybrid Big Rigs Hit the Road - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

Cybergal · **^ Top** #1 11.20.2007

Hybrid Big Rigs Hit the Road

Quote:

History was made recently, when retail giant Wal-Mart took delivery of its first hybrid Class 8 big rig. The model 386 hybrid truck is the result of a joint effort between the Texas-based Peterbilt Motors Company, Eaton Corporation and Wal-Mart. Peterbilt has the truck-building expertise, while Eaton has developed the parallel hybrid system. The project was supported by Wal-Mart, which owns the nation’s second largest private fleet of trucks.

The hybrid system charges the vehicle’s batteries when the engine is idling, or when the brakes are applied. This stored energy is later used to power an electric motor, either to supplement the diesel engine’s power or even to move the vehicle all by itself under certain conditions. Based on the current price of diesel fuel, estimated annual savings are around $9,000 per vehicle. In addition to fuel savings, the hybrid is expected to require less maintenance, because of the reduced wear and tear on engine and brakes.

At third-party tests, the Eaton Hybrid Power System has typically shown a 5-7 percent fuel savings compared to non-hybrid models. During idling, fuel savings can be considerable. The batteries can be charged in minutes and the diesel engine needs to run only about five minutes of every hour to keep them fully charged, according to Peterbilt Chief Engineer Landon Sproull. (1)

Peterbilt, Eaton and Wal-Mart are to be applauded for helping to make the environment more biofriendly. Wal-Mart plans to replace its Peterbilt 386 big rigs with the hybrid version of the same model by 2009, potentially saving millions of gallons of fuel every year.

Kenworth and DAF, both sister companies of Peterbilt, are also presenting hybrid big rig trucks, as is Mitsubishi.

So, the green movement is gathering momentum. While a pollution-free environment and abundant energy are still a long way off, the hybrid big rigs are a move in that direction. Many other innovations will be needed, but as fuel prices keep rising, we can expect to see more and more practical ways of saving energy.

http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=25671

myminpins · **^ Top** #2 11.20.2007

That's really cool to see. Question is, are they priced competitively so everyone will want to drive them or are they so expensive it'll be impractical for most companies and O/O to purchase them?

candab · **^ Top** #3 11.25.2007

Does this mean that if you're parked while idling, the engine starts and stops every hour or so? Forget that! You'll never get a good night's sleep!

Scarecrow03 · **^ Top** #4 11.25.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by candab

Does this mean that if you're parked while idling, the engine starts and stops every hour or so? Forget that! You'll never get a good night's sleep!

The first truck I had with PAM was a Freightliner with Opt-Idle. While it took some getting used to, in a short amount of time I got used to the truck starting up and shutting off every so often (depending on the temp setting in the bunk). I don't know if this hybrid is gonna be the exact same as that or not, but you can get a good night's sleep if it is.

I just wonder if the 5-7 percent fuel savings is enough to warrant the cost of the hybrid system. Couldn't you see the same fuel savings with an APU?

Brickman · **^ Top** #5 11.25.2007

WM's stated goal of 10 MPG by 2010 is moving along.

candab · **^ Top** #6 11.25.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarecrow03

The first truck I had with PAM was a Freightliner with Opt-Idle. While it took some getting used to, in a short amount of time I got used to the truck starting up and shutting off every so often (depending on the temp setting in the bunk). I don't know if this hybrid is gonna be the exact same as that or not, but you can get a good night's sleep if it is.

I just wonder if the 5-7 percent fuel savings is enough to warrant the cost of the hybrid system. Couldn't you see the same fuel savings with an APU?

I'd think an APU is probably better, and LESS pollutive over the long run considering the extra heavy metals involved in the hybrid battery system.

pochop7 · **^ Top** #7 11.25.2007

I can just see all the trucks backed up at the stealership to find frayed,open electrical problems......on a side note is it true that walmart internationals drive axles the back one is a dummy axle with no drive shaft going to it so that it saves on fuel?

Gazoo · **^ Top** #8 12.02.2007

I basically have the Operator Controlled Opti-Idle in my truck. When it gets cold inside, I wake up, get up and start my truck for 20 minutes or so till it warms up inside. Kinda wish I had the opti-idle to try in my Columbia.

wallbanger · **^ Top** #9 12.03.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazoo

I basically have the Operator Controlled Opti-Idle in my truck. When it gets cold inside, I wake up, get up and start my truck for 20 minutes or so till it warms up inside. Kinda wish I had the opti-idle to try in my Columbia.

Get yourself a camping candle, or a dog to breathe it's hot dog breath on you, that might help keep you warm!!!

I am wondering, all this hybrid technology, why is it that the companies have not just made an EM (electro-motive, like a diesel locomotive) system? Have the diesel motor just run a generator, that powers the drives.
Seems like the largest challenge would be scaling it down to keep the weight of the tractor close to current designs, so that payloads can stay as high as they are now.

Mr_Dude · **^ Top** #10 12.03.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallbanger

I am wondering, all this hybrid technology, why is it that the companies have not just made an EM (electro-motive, like a diesel locomotive) system? Have the diesel motor just run a generator, that powers the drives.
Seems like the largest challenge would be scaling it down to keep the weight of the tractor close to current designs, so that payloads can stay as high as they are now.

Freightliner's version of Hybrid is supposed to match that. At least when they pulled it into the JB Offices here in Lowell and showed it to a bunch of office people who couldn't even look like they gave a ****.

Scaling down of the Electrical Motor wouldn't be a problem. after all, doesn't a Locomotive Truck (the 3 or sometimes 2 axle unit that makes up the Motor and Wheels) about equal the size of the rear portion of a big rig? (From Cab to Rear Lights, then throw a 5th wheel on top and call it good) The Main problem I see here is where they can stick an Engine/Generator assembly.....Possibly where the Transmission used to be?

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