Diesel Electric Hybrid Delivery Trucks

Hino, Toyota and Nissan are developing Diesel electric Hybrid delivery trucks offering very low emissions and high fuel efficiency in stop and go urban delivery areas.  Federal Express the world’s largest express transportation company plans to convert their fleet of delivery trucks to diesel electric hybrid vehicles.  In 2001 Federal Express accepted proposals from automakers to develop trucks that would increase fuel efficiency by 50% and reduce emissions by 90%.  The vehicle must meet Federal Express performance standards.  In May of 2004 Federal Express selected Eaton Corp to build the diesel hybrid powertrain for the first 20 pilot hybrid delivery trucks called the OptiFleet E700. This powertrain has been placed in the standard white FedEx Express W700 delivery truck.

Eaton's hybrid electric powertrain combines a diesel engine and electric motor to drive a vehicle. This combination of power sources used together to provide power to the powertrain is a parallel type of hybrid.  A computer determines the most efficient combination, depending on operating conditions and power requirements. The six-cylinder version currently used in the FedEx Express W700 delivery truck is replaced with a four-cylinder engine. The engine size is reduced because of the additional power provided by the electric motor. A particulate trap adds to the reduction of emissions.

During regenerative braking the kinetic energy is captured and converted to electricity which is then stored in Lithium-ion batteries. All charging of the battery is provided by the hybrid electric powertrain and the regenerative brakes.  This vehicle does not require power from outside electrical sources such as electrical outlets.

If Federal Express has success with these pilot hybrid trucks there is a good chance they will replace all 30,000 medium duty trucks over a number of years.

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Heavy Diesel Electric Hybrids

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