Wal-Mart Adds Hybrids, AFVs To Fleet

Wal-Mart has announced that it is testing two types of commercial hybrid trucks and two alternative-fuel vehicles (AFV). The vehicles are being evaluated for long-term inclusion in Wal-Mart's sustainable trucking fleet program. The testing will run through the 2009 calendar year.

The hybrids under consideration include a full-propulsion, dual-mode diesel-electric hybrid, believed to be the first of its kind. The hybrid drive train was developed by Arvin Meritor and is being tested in the Detroit area. The company has also acquired five Peterbilt heavy-duty diesel-electric hybrid trucks with Eaton Corporation propulsion systems. These trucks will operate in Dallas, Houston, Apple Valley, Atlanta and the Washington/Baltimore areas. Eaton Corporation has also developed a hydraulic hybrid vehicle using EPA-patented technologies for UPS.

In addition to the hybrid vehicles, Wal-Mart is also testing fifteen trucks in the company's Buckeye, AZ distribution center that operate exclusively on reclaimed grease fuel. The trucks use reclaimed brown cooking grease from the food establishments within Wal-Mart stores. Other trucks at the same distribution center will be converted to run on an 80/20 biodiesel mixture that includes yellow waste grease.

Finally, the company is also testing four vehicles that operate on liquid natural gas. These vehicles will remain on the company's Southern California distribution center property and are part of a partnership with the Mojave Air Quality Management District. Wal-Mart's sustainable trucking program is actively engaged in trying to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

According to the company, Wal-Mart's truck fleet improved its fuel economy by one-quarter between 2003 and 2008, and is working to double the fuel efficiency of its fleet by 2015.

Photo Credit: Code Poet, via Flickr