Tests of Hybrid Utility Trucks Show 40%–60% Fuel Saving
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 10. 4.05
Initial tests of diesel-hybrid utility trucks indicate that they may have a 40%-60% reduction in fuel. Apparently utility trucks get better fuel reduction than passenger cars because they have massive batteries on board. The tests were performed on prototype hybrid utility trucks being used in the WestStart’s Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) pilot program. The target requirement for the hybrids was a 50% reduction in fuel consumption. The drive system in the utility trucks is in a pre-transmission parallel hybrid configuration, with a 44-kW permanent magnet motor mounted directly in front of the transmission, behind engine and clutch. Li-ion batteries provide the energy store. :: Via Green Car Congress
Wait, do they have giant batteries on board just because they're good-sized trucks, or because they're specifically utility trucks? Like is it htere to run hand tools or diagnostic equipment or something like that?
Yep, the big batteries are there to run the equipment on board.
My interest is an electric truck that could be used as a construction vechile, along the lines of a F150 or f-350 ford truck. I will need it to be able to carry a good load, with the all terrain options that I get from the 4 wheel drive I paresently own. I would also need to attain a decent high way speed with a range of atleast 50 miles. Would it be best to go hybread or straight electric?, and what kind of time would I be looking at to see something like this come on the market?
Did you ever find a hybrid work truck that met your needs?
I'm in the market for the same.