UPS to Convert 50 Chicago Delivery Trucks to Hybrid
UPS has announced that it is converting 50 gasoline delivery trucks in the Chicago metro area with hydraulic hybrid systems.
The project is partially funded by Drive Clean Chicago, a program that aims to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure in Chicago.
Here’s how it works: A hydraulic hybrid vehicle is one which blends two propulsion systems to provide benefits including fuel economy and emissions reductions. In this case, the gasoline-powered internal combustion engines are combined with Lightning Hybrids’ ERS.
The hydraulic system captures and stores energy when the vehicle brakes and then uses the stored energy to power the wheels when accelerating. The system re-pressurizes at each stop so the launch assist can be repeated throughout the stop and start cycle of driving.
By regenerating the braking energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat and using this energy instead of the internal combustion engine for acceleration, fuel efficiency and emission reduction gains can be achieved.
UPS says it expects a one to two-year return on investment.
Category: General Update, Green
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