NTEA Show Features Hybrid Work Trucks

You'll find some very green trucks this year at the 2009 National Truck Equipment Association Convention and Work Truck Show in Chicago. Navistar is showing off a line of DuraStar work trucks, including an International DuraStar Hybrid, which the company presented to the City of Chicago. The diesel-electric vehicle can offer a fuel savings of as much as 60 percent over a comparable conventional diesel truck.

In addition to providing fuel economy on the road, the hybrid system can also power booms, aerial buckets and tools for up to 90 minutes without needing power from the engine. The system significantly reduces carbon emissions and noise associated with the trucks. Navistar is sponsoring the City of Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Kraft Foods also announced that it had taken delivery of an International DuraStar Refrigerated Hybrid delivery truck this week. The truck is the first of its kind, and Kraft will use it to deliver frozen foods to retail outlets. According to Mike Cole, Kraft's North American Director of Transportation, the truck is part of the company's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption. The new vehicle is expected to produce a fuel savings of as much as 30 percent over a conventionally powered delivery truck.

Honda has also added a Class 8 hybrid delivery vehicle to its fleet. The truck, which is built for Honda by Peterbilt, will be used to deliver parts to dealerships in Tennessee and Georgia. The company will evaluate the truck's performance in comparison to a conventional vehicle that drives the same routes. The test period for the truck is expected to last about a year.

The truck features a parallel hybrid system developed by Eaton Corp. The hybrid system powers the truck's climate control systems and electrical accessories, and incorporates stop-start technology to provide electrical power when the vehicle is idling.

Photo Credit: Image Courtesy of Navistar