UPS has announced the deployment of 40 new hydraulic hybrid vehicles – 20 in Baltimore and 20 in Atlanta. Developed by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and Parker Hannifin, the package cars can achieve up to 35% improved fuel economy and up to 30% CO2 emissions reduction over traditional diesel vehicles that use automatic transmissions in stop-and-go applications.
Both deployments were supported in part by grants from the US Department of Energy’s Clean Cities programme, which is focused on advancing the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.
The hydraulic hybrids in Baltimore will be deployed immediately, while the vehicles in Atlanta will be introduced before the end of 2012. UPS currently has one in operation in Laguna Hills, California, and has been working closely with manufacturers to develop and test hydraulic hybrid technology since 2006.
“Our long-term goal is to minimise our dependence on foreign energy and one way we will get there is through the deployment of a wide variety of technologies and designs in our fleet,” said Mike Britt, UPS director of alternative fuel vehicle engineering. “As early adopters of this technology, we are very pleased with the significant fuel economy and emission reductions that come from the HHVs.”
The hydraulic hybrid vehicle’s stop-start strategy can reduce up to 90 minutes of engine run time on a typical delivery route. Because its efficiency relies on frequent braking, the hydraulic hybrids are best suited for urban routes, which typically involve frequent stopping and starting.
UPS currently operates 2,593 vehicles powered by alternative fuels or technology, including hybrid electric, electric, liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, bio-methane and propane-powered vehicles.
