Passenger Cars Aren’t The Only Hybrids Around
March 28, 2008
Caterpillar has introduced the D7E, a 30-ton diesel-electric earthmover with a differential steering system. The D7E has no mechanical transmission, and uses variable-speed motors to provide a continuously variable transmission. The D7E does rely on hydraulics, supplemented by the vehicle’s regenerative braking capabilities to move its implements.
As an added bonus, the vehicle also runs its accessories, including the air conditioning and water pump, off of generated and captured energy.
The electric drivetrain for the vehicle reduces the number of moving parts by 60 percent over a conventionally powered tractor. The D7E is designed for heavy grading and earth moving, and with its 235-HP engine, achieves a fuel efficiency increase of about 20 percent per gallon of fuel over its non-electric 240-HP counterpart, the D7. The electric D7E can also move about 25 percent more material per gallon of fuel than the D7. As an added benefit, the D7E features cab improvements that increase driver visibility and steering performance.
The mid-sized tractor is in the sweet spot for hybrid electric earthmoving and grading equipment. Jobs that require larger and smaller vehicles are best tackled with traditional diesel-powered vehicles.
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