April 23, 2007—Advanced hybrid technologies developed jointly by Peterbilt Motors Company and Eaton Corporation have been integrated into an aerodynamically styled heavy-duty vehicle designed for superior fuel efficiency and greater environmental stewardship.
Wal-Mart Stores, which reportedly operates the nation’s second-largest private fleet, is supporting development of new hybrid technologies by helping to validate the concept and refine the final design. Wal-Mart recently announced its “Sustainability 360” program that will aggressively promote environmental stewardship among customers, suppliers, and associates through a number of global innovation projects.
Peterbilt and Eaton have previously partnered to develop hybrid electric Class 6-7 vehicle platforms and Class 8 hybrid hydraulic vehicles. With a successful test and evaluation program, the heavy-duty hybrid electric power system will be available in 2009.
During third-party testing, the Eaton Hybrid Power System has routinely achieved a 5-7 percent fuel savings versus comparable, non-hybrid models, say the developers. It may result in a savings of one gallon of fuel per hour when idling. At an average diesel price of almost $2.50 per gallon, those savings would equate to about $9,000 to $10,000 a truck per year in operation.
