Eaton says hybrids hit the road later this year

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Eaton Corp. hosted a seven-vehicle ride-n-drive event at the 43rd Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention and Work Truck Show 2007, featuring an Eaton hybrid electric system in chassis from International Truck and Engine Corp., Peterbilt and Freightliner.

Eaton employs a parallel-type diesel-electric hybrid system with Eaton’s Fuller UltraShift automated transmission It incorporates an electric motor-generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. When electric torque is blended with engine torque, the stored energy is used to improve fuel economy and vehicle performance for a given speed, or operate with electric power only. The system provides energy for use during engine-off worksite operations.

At the event, Eaton also announced that its hybrid systems will be commercially available this year on the assembly lines of most major North American OEMs.

Since forming its Hybrid Power Systems business unit in March 2000, Eaton has received several US patents. Today, Eaton has emerged as a leader in the commercialization of hybrid power systems with systems now powering package delivery vehicles being built by Federal Express and UPS in North America. In addition, 24 vehicles in 14 public utility fleets began using Eaton’s hybrid electric system in 2006.

The applications are delivering significant fuel economy gains and pollution reductions, according to the company. Eaton’s hybrid efforts are global in scope, with additional vehicle development programs in Europe and Asia.