A new program to retrofit walk-in van chassis withhybrid-electric systems is one of Freightliner’s latest alternative-poweredvehicle offerings.
Medium-duty fleets operating walk-in vans now have an optionfor upgrading existing vehicles to more environmentally friendly andfuel-efficient models. A new program for retrofitting older walk-in vans withhybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) systems is available from Freightliner CustomChassis Corp. (FCCC). The program, which began late last year at the request ofa package delivery company, has already retrofitted almost 100 of the OEM’sMT-45 models, and is also being offered for Freightliner’s MT-55 chassis.
“For companies interested in implementing HEV technologyinto their operations,” said Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketingfor FCCC, “retrofitting is less expensive than purchasing new vehicles. Thisprogram is a way to cost effectively utilize the latest hybrid-electric technology, gain a significant cost savings, lower emissions and increase fueleconomy.”
The FCCC retrofit program involves removing engines,transmissions, fuel tanks, air intake system, cooling system and driveshafts,and replacing them with a 200-HP 2007 Cummins ISB engine and an Eatonhybrid-electric system. The HEV chassis couples the diesel engine with anelectric motor/generator and lithium-ion batteries, which capture and storeenergy during the regenerative braking phase of the vehicle’s operation. Thebatteries are constantly charged through the operation of the diesel engine,eliminating the need to plug into an electrical source. Depending on operatingconditions and driver demand, either the engine or the electric motor providesthe most efficient mode of power.
With the installation of a hybrid-electric system, the FCCCprogram brings units up to the 2007 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)emissions certification level. The company is also completing the introductionof an EPA 2010 emissions-certified hybrid-electric system, and will offer theconfiguration beginning Jan. 1, 2010. In addition, the purchase of an HEV, which isEPA-certified in all 50 states, enables fleets to be eligible for federal taxcredits on new models, and the company is working to make the credits availableon retrofit models as well.
“While this program began for one fleet that was looking fora solution,” Randall stated, “we are now receiving a lot more interest fromsmall and large fleets in other industries. Considering an estimated 40% fuelsavings and an expected 15- to 20-year life for the HEV, retrofitting is a verycost-effective option, especially for older, higher mileage vehicles.”
FCCC, as part of Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA),has a history of engineering alternative-fuel chassis for commercial vehicles.For example, Randall pointed out that the company is currently building as manyas 300 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered and 200 HEV walk-in vans for onecustomer. Since 1996, it has built 1,300 CNG-powered walk-ins and 150 CNGcommercial buses and 30 liquid propane gas (LPG) buses. In addition, since 2001FCCC has manufactured 450 new HEV walk-ins for a variety of customers.
FCCC’s sister company at DTNA, Freightliner Trucks, recentlyintroduced its first natural gas-powered medium-duty model, the Business ClassM2 112 NG. Designed for port operations, natural gas utilities andmunicipalities, the factory-built truck is powered by the 8.9-L CumminsWestport ISL G engine. The cooled-exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) powerplant,which is available in ratings up to 320 HP, already meets EPA 2010 standards.
In 2009, Freightliner Trucks will also offer a CNG versionof the M2 112, followed by a CNG single-axle tractor, and 4×2 and 6×2 trucksfor a range of vocational configurations. By the end of 2010, Freightliner willhave a complete Cummins Westport-powered line-up with configuration options for more than 90% of truck applications in North America.
