UPS' hybrid-electric vans reduce fuel use by 29%, cost per mile by 15%

[Wolfgang]

By Sam Abuelsamid on Jan 4th 2010 at 2:04PM

UPS and its competitors at FedEx and DHL have all been testing a variety of hybrid drive delivery vans for several years now. Recently, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory completed a twelve-month evaluation of six hybrid vans being used by UPS in the Phoenix, Arizona area and the results were good. Very good, in fact. After twelve months of operation, the hybrid vans averaged 28.9 percent lower fuel consumption than similar conventional diesel vans. Even with the extra cost of the hybrid vehicles, the overall cost per mile was cut by 15 percent.

The hybrid vans are based on Freightliner chassis with Mercedes-Benz diesel engines. The hybrid hardware was provided by Eaton corporation using the supplier's automated manual transmission with integrated electric motor/generator. Electrical energy storage is provided by a lithium ion battery pack of unknown origin. As a result of the testing, UPS has ordered 200 more of the Eaton hybrid vans for its fleet. UPS is also continuing to test other hybrid vehicles, including hydraulic hybrids.

UPS' hybrid-electric vans reduce fuel use by 29%, cost per mile by 15% — Autoblog Green


PS. I believe the lithium ion battery is supplied by Hitachi.

Used google to verify:

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/...d=news_view&newsId=20081019005073&newsLang=en

 

[Centurion]

Much expected. Electric drive is the future.

 

[Mr Robert]

Here, postmen working smaller districst are driving around in electric golf carts

Like these:

Just perfect!

 

[Centurion]

There's a back side to electric cars though. They can be a false economy in the sense that as manufacturers launch electric cars, the demand for electricity will surge to the level that might require more nuclear power plants and result in more nuclear waste.

So electric cars is a short term solution to a long term problems. But as years go by I'm sure battery technology and efficiency will improve though. Still, the energy problem will require another Copenhagen convention down the line in 3-5 years when electric cars are mainstream.

 

[Gullwing]

Hybrids work well for this type of vehicle, since they spend a lot of time stopped.
Larger cities these hybrids work well, but for smaller spread out cities, there would be little to no benefit.

 

[wolfram]

The hybrid electrical components in the eaton transmission are also by Hitachi.

Li battery is easier to implement for commercial vehicle fleet since they always do their checkups and maintainance.

 

[Centurion]

Larger cities these hybrids work well, but for smaller spread out cities, there would be little to no benefit.

For full hybrids Prius, that is true. But for half-hybrids like the S400 and F01 hybrid favorable fuel economy is enjoyed even at high speeds.

 

[Gullwing]

For full hybrids Prius, that is true. But for half-hybrids like the S400 and F01 hybrid favorable fuel economy is enjoyed even at high speeds.

You would want a full hybrid for a UPS truck, since they sit idle for a lot of time throughout the day. They use a lot of fuel waiting at red lights and not all shut the engine off at each stop (house or buisness)

 

[Wolfgang]

an update:


UPS purchases 130 more hybrid delivery vehicles

by Eric Loveday | Autoblog

Although UPS already operates one of the largest private fleets of alternative-fuel vehicles in the transportation
industry, the company's continuing commitment to dominate the green scene has driven it to purchase 130 additional
hybrid electric vehicles. At 2,022 strong, UPS' alternative-fuel vehicle fleet spans eight countries and has racked up
more than 185 million miles to date.

The 130 new hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) were developed by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and feature
a hybrid drive system from Eaton Corporation. The vehicles will be deployed early next year in New York, New Jersey
and California. UPS estimates that these hybrid delivery vehicle will cut fuel usage by 66,085 gallon and slice emissions
by 671 metric tons annually. UPS understands the virtues of HEVs and deployed its first way back in 1998. Currently,
the delivery company operates 250 HEVs in the U.S., but by this time next year, that number should soar to 380.
Hit the jump for more on UPS' plan to add some hybrids to its already green fleet.

UPS purchases 130 more hybrid delivery vehicles — Autoblog Green