Hybrid Big Rigs Hit the Road

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?

 

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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?