UPS first to purchase HHV

Global - UPS has announced the initial purchase of seven hydraulic hybrid vehicles (HHV) as part of a public-private partnership expected to yield dramatic fuel savings and environmental benefits. It is the first logistics player to purchase HHVs.

The technology developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stores energy by compressing hydraulic fluid under pressure in a large chamber.

David Abney, UPS's chief operating officer said, "There is no question that hydraulic hybrids, although little known to the public, are ready for prime time use."

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the prototype vehicle had achieved a 45%-50% improvement in fuel economy compared to conventional diesel delivery trucks.

"We're not declaring hydraulic hybrids a panacea for our energy woes, but this technology certainly is as promising as anything we have seen to date," Abney said.

UPS said similar fuel economy improvements and a 30% reduction in CO2 are achievable in daily use.

In a press release, UPS announced they will be deploying the first two of the new HHV's in Minneapolis during the first quarter of 2009. The additional five HHV's will be deployed later in 2009 and early 2010.

Eaton Corporation, which helped to develop and refine the vehicle's hydraulic hybrid power system, will be monitoring the vehicle's fuel economy performance and emissions in the Minneapolis area.

"The diesel hydraulic hybrid vehicle has the potential to offer our truck customers something very unique; performance and reduced emissions with dramatic improvements in fuel economy," said Steve Guillaume, general manager of medium trucks, Navistar.

The EPA estimates that when manufactured in high volume, the added costs of the hybrid components can be recouped in less than three years through lower fuel and brake maintenance costs.

UPS's current "green fleet" totals more than 1,600 low-carbon vehicles, including all-electric, hybrid electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and propane-powered trucks.

With the new purchase, UPS's "green fleet," already the largest private fleet in the transportation industry will total more than 2,100 vehicles.