Peterbilt, Eaton and Wal-Mart partner on diesel-electric hybrid truck
Wal-Mart has made its intentions very clear to reduce the fuel bill of its massive truck fleet by improving efficiency. We've talked a couple of times about their plans and the latest news is that advanced hybrid technologies jointly developed by Peterbilt Motors Company and Eaton Corporation have been combined with a modern aerodynamic design to produce a heavy-duty truck with superior fuel efficiency. The heavy-duty hybrid electric power system should be available in 2009.
Testing has shown that the Eaton Hybrid Power System typically returns a 5-7 percent fuel savings versus comparable, non-hybrid models. The heavy-duty hybrid electric power system features an electric motor/generator between the clutch and the transmission to offer regenerative breaking and improved performance.
Analysis: Via their "Sustainability 360" program, Wal-Mart is aggressively promoting environmental stewardship among customers, suppliers and associates through a number of global innovation projects. Hybrid technology offers huge fuel savings for long-haul trucks even when efficiency is only slightly better than non-hybrid systems due to the huge distances covered each year. Ultimately the trucks must move into urban areas as well to deliver their goods and that's where the hybrid component really shines. Emissions and pollution fall dramatically when hybrid technology is further combined with clean diesel systems and biodiesel.
Related:
- DOE & USDA study proves biodiesel massively reduces dangerous emissions
- Volvo Agrees to Buy Nissan Diesel for $1.1 Billion
- Wal-Mart redesigning its trucks for greater efficiencies
[Source: Peterbilt press release]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 5:56PM (3/17/2007)
Dane,
I think you're getting ahead of yourself. Where does it say WalMart "partnered" with Eaton and Peterbilt?
I know that WalMart "partnered" with ArvinMeritor on a hybrid tractor but I think you're jumping to conclusions on this one.
Reply
Rick 6:05PM (3/17/2007)
Here it is. My apologies. Couldn't find a link back to a company at first.
http://www.peterbilt.com/index_new_mor.asp?file=2093&archivedate=
Reply
John Rowell 11:18PM (3/19/2007)
Think of all the room available on the roof of a semi trailer. What if it was covered with solar panels that would continuously stream electricity to the hybrid system. That would increase the mileage even further. And for those refrigerated trailers the solar panels can power that system as well.
Reply
Jim 4:30PM (4/13/2007)
To reply to the previous post about solar panels on the top of van and reefer semi-trailers, these trailers are designed to "flex" when moving down the road. If you have ever driven a truck, you experience quite a bit of vibration and flexing in the tractor or power unit, as well. Would solar panels and their wiring hold up in this application? I agree it is a good idea and worthy of research. The road is a far harsher environment for new technology than you may think, particularly as a result of the use of de-icer chemicals on roads by states. These chemicals already significantly corrode electrical systems, aluminum, steel and stainless steel truck/trailer components. Another question: how would you keep the solar panels clean so they would function in an optimal manner? Cost is everything in trucking. And would they hold up under a heavy snow and/or ice load in the wintertime when the unit is "down"? Check out the Peterbilt (Paccar.com) website, too, for more details on innovation coming out of the Paccar Tech Center located north of Seattle.
Reply
David Noble 12:07PM (5/25/2007)
John Rowell, I hope you didn't get my idea from the engineering department at solar living, who were supposed to reply to my query, not disseminate it - If you did not,I am glad to see that it was not just my idea. I did suggest one further step, however.
Assuming we can surmount the torsion and flexability problems posted by Jim, if there were a battery standard then batteries could be charged by truckers who were not pulling reefers, and dropped at truckstops in exchange for empties and fuel credits. the batteries could then be picked up by truckers who were carrying a heavier amp load, who in turn would pay for them as though they were a certain amount of fuel, and drop off their depleted cells.
As a power tool user, I find it annoying that Makita (the best battery drill) and Black and Decker (the best charging system) and Milwaukee (the best sawzall) use different shaped batteries. If there was a standard size, shape, and discharge rate for all rolling stock, including hybrid cars and mopeds, then the batteries themselves would be like L.P. gas tanks...you get one or two with your vehicle and keep trading them in for full ones, paying only for the energy.
A further note to Jim- I don't know about when the unit is actually in the "barn" for weeks at a time,which one hopes happens rarely, but snow load shouldn't be a serious issue if the truck is rolling. as for cleanliness, it is just one more thing to attend to. Rain-x works wonders on my windshield... If the panels make money by saving fuel or even by earning fuel credits, it will be worth it to maintain them.
-David Noble
Reply