The hybrid engine technology developed and introduced by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC), Eaton and Detroit Diesel will be on display at two of the trucking industry’s largest shows in early 2007.
The hybrid walk-in van chassis from FCCC will make its debut at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2007 Annual Exhibition, being held Feb. 6 to 8 in Tampa, Fla. Shortly after that, a fully configured hybrid electric walk-in van will be available for driving demonstrations at the NTEA Work Truck Show hybrid ride & drive March 7 to 9 in Indianapolis.
Visitors to both shows will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the technology behind the hybrid walk-in van chassis. Hybrid walk-in vans are built on FCCC’s MT-45 SR chassis platform, which provides all of the operating benefits of a standard Freightliner walk-in van chassis along with the added value and savings from the hybrid-electric power train, the company said. Hybrid electric-powered walk-in vans have shown a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy and a significant reduction in emissions.
FCCC said it is the first in the medium-duty truck industry to develop the hybrid chassis technology and introduce it to market. FedEx and UPS have both purchased trucks with hybrid walk-in van chassis from FCCC for revenue-generating markets.
The technology powering the hybrid chassis works by using lithium-ion batteries that capture and store energy during the regenerative braking phase of the vehicle’s operation. This provides a constant source of stored electrical power on demand, the company said. The battery is charged through the power train, meaning there’s no need for a power cord or electrical outlet.
The Freightliner Custom Chassis will be on display at booth 1603 at the TMC show and at booth 1525 at the Work Truck Show.
For more information, visit http://www.freightlinerchassis.com/.