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Hybrids easy on budget … and environment

Oct. 27, 2008, South Bend, IN –
Kenworth Truck Company gave participants a close look at its lineup of
medium duty, diesel-electric hybrid trucks during the eighth annual
Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF). 

Oct. 27, 2008, South Bend, IN – Kenworth Truck Company gave participants a close look at its lineup of medium duty, diesel-electric hybrid trucks during the eighth annual Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF). The national forum brought together fleets, suppliers and manufacturers to examine the latest in hybrid technology for the trucking industry.
Kenworth recently started production of its new T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 hybrids, while also announcing the introduction of a new T370 hybrid tractor. All three vehicles were prominently featured at HTUF, with a T270 pickup and delivery hybrid and T370 hybrid tractor in the ride and drive event.
“Kenworth’s quality hybrid trucks received extensive interest from participants,” said Judy McTigue, medium duty marketing manager for the company, who made a presentation on Kenworth’s key green initiatives at the meeting. “An increased focus on fuel economy, concerns about business operating costs, and efforts to reduce their environmental footprint are driving customer interest in the new Kenworth hybrids.”
The company’s goal is to enhance fuel economy by up to 30 per cent in pickup and delivery applications and up to 50 per cent in utility operations. “Every gallon of diesel fuel saved reduces customer costs, while also preventing approximately 22 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions,” noted McTigue.
The Kenworth T270 and T370 hybrids are powered by the PACCAR PX-6 engine and feature an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, a frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack, and a dedicated power management system. Advanced powertrain controls monitor driving conditions and automatically select the ideal power mode, smoothly switching among electric-only, combined diesel and electric, and diesel-only power modes. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through a dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.