July 23, 2013
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HHV Prototype Testing Results in Significant Fuel Economy and Emissions Reduction
For decades, UPS has been testing and deploying different types of automotive technology to enhance the environmental performance of our fleet.
In June 2006, UPS joined with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Eaton Corporation, the U.S. Army and Navistar International Corp. to form a successful public-private partnership to unveil the world’s first HHV diesel urban delivery vehicle prototype. The partners conducted an 18-month evaluation of the vehicle’s performance and emissions on a UPS delivery route in the Detroit, Michigan area. Results showed that the EPA’s patented hydraulic hybrid diesel technology achieved a 45- to 50-percent improvement in fuel economy and a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with traditional diesel-powered vehicles.
Fuel economy was increased in three ways:
Eaton, which helped develop and refine the vehicle’s hydraulic hybrid power system, will monitor the new UPS vehicle’s fuel economy performance and emissions in the Minneapolis area.
How Hybrid Hydraulic Technology Works
A high-efficiency diesel engine is combined with a unique hydraulic propulsion system, replacing the conventional drivetrain and transmission. Hydraulic pumps and hydraulic storage tanks are used to store energy, similar to what is done with electric motors and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
The EPA estimates that when manufactured in high volume, the added costs of the hybrid components can be recouped in less than three years through lower fuel and brake maintenance costs.
UPS Fleet Philosophy
UPS is an active participant in advancing and developing future generations of delivery vehicles that significantly reduce fuel consumption and our dependence on fossil fuels – all while remaining an innovative, socially responsible and financially sound corporation.
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