Hybrid Electric Chassis – International Eaton Drive
The International DuraStar Hybrid has the proven capability to provide dramatic fuel savings—from 30 to 40 percent on standard in-city pickup and delivery applications. That fuel efficiency can increase to more than 60 percent in utility-type applications when the engine can be shut off but electric power still operates the vehicle.
Tracking Hybrid PerformanceOne major advantage for International’s hybrid product is the company’s Diamond Logic Electrical system, which integrates the body equipment and the hybrid power-train so they can work as a single piece of equipment. Additionally, the International DuraStar Hybrid can be equipped with International’s AWARE vehicle intelligence system to allow for real-time data collection, reporting, and analysis. Click here to learn more about the Diamond Logic Electrical system. Government IncentivesOne of the key challenges facing the trucking industry is the high initial cost to bring hybrid technology to market. As International builds scale, hybrid truck prices are expected to decrease dramatically. In the meantime, many customers are working to secure government funding to help offset the cost of this new technology. Incentives are available on both the Federal and State level, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 can provide tax credits of up to $12,000 per unit. Eaton Drive SystemThe key to the hybrid’s efficiency is the Hybrid Drive Unit (HDU). While braking, torque passing through the transmission turns the generator in the HDU to recharge the battery. Then, when pulling away, the truck uses the torque created by the electric motor to get the vehicle moving.
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