UPS (NYSE: UPS) announced the purchase of 130 hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to add to its growing alternative-fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet.
UPS already operates one of the largest private fleets of
alternative-fuel vehicles in the transportation industry–2,022 in
total, the company says. UPS has invested more than $25 million to develop its AFV
fleet, which besides hybrid electric includes such other fuels as
compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and all-electric.
The fleet is deployed in eight countries besides the U.S. and since
2000, has traveled 185 million miles.
The 130 hybrids all will be deployed next year, with 30 going to New York and New Jersey and 100 to California. UPS estimates these vehicles will save 66,085 gallons of fuel and 671 metric tons of CO2 annually, representing a 35% improvement in fuel economy.
Currently, there are 250 UPS HEV delivery vehicles operating in the United States.
“Hybrid electric technology has proven itself to be effective in the field,” said Mike Britt, UPS’s director of vehicle engineering.
The hybrid electric power system utilizes a conventional diesel engine combined with a battery pack, saving fuel and reducing pollution-causing emissions. The energy generated from braking is captured and returned to the battery as electricity. The combination of clean diesel power and electric power, supplemented by regenerative braking, allows dramatic improvements in fuel savings and emissions reductions.
The HEV fleet features two different size vehicles from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and a hybrid drive system from Eaton Corporation (NYSE: ETN).
Last month PepsiCo’s (NYSE: PEP) Frito-Lay North America division announced its intention to build the largest fleet of commercial all-electric trucks in North America.
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