UPS will buy 130 next generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to add to its growingalternative-fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet, and will use the environmentally-friendly vehicles in US
regions.The 130 hybrids will all be deployed next year, with 30 going to New York and New Jersey and 100to California. UPS estimates these vehicles will save 66,085 gallons of fuel and 671 metric tonnesof CO2 annually, representing a 35% improvement in fuel economy. The investment figure was notdisclosed.
UPS said it already operates one of the largest private fleets of alternative-fuel vehicles inthe transportation industry – 2,022 in total. The company has invested more than $25 million todevelop its AFV fleet, which besides hybrid electric includes such other fuels as compressednatural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and all-electric. The fleet is deployed in eightcountries besides the USA.
UPS was the first package delivery company to introduce a hybrid electric vehicle into dailyoperation with a research program in early 1998. Currently, there are 250 UPS HEV delivery vehiclesoperating in the United States.
“Hybrid electric technology has proven itself to be effective in the field,” said Mike Britt,UPS’s director of vehicle engineering. “We are eager to receive these new HEVs in 2011 and get themon the road. Continued investment in fuel-efficient technology is a part of UPS’s overallenvironmental strategy.”
The hybrid electric power system uses a conventional diesel engine combined with a battery pack,saving fuel and reducing pollution-causing emissions. The energy generated from braking is capturedand returned to the battery as electricity. The combination of clean diesel power and electricpower, supplemented by regenerative braking, allows dramatic improvements in fuel savings andemissions reductions.
The HEV fleet features two different size vehicles from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporationand a hybrid drive system from Eaton Corporation. The external truck bodies are identical to UPS’sother signature brown trucks, although they feature additional labeling identifying them as hybridelectrics.
“Eaton is very proud of our 10-year relationship developing hybrid power systems with UPS,” saidDimitri Kazarinoff, vice president and general manager, Eaton Hybrid Power Systems Division. “UPSis a global leader in the adoption of clean transportation technologies and their support andcontinued orders are helping to make both of our businesses sustainable.”
