Parcel handlers try hydraulic hybrids

   The first set of hydraulic hybrid package delivery vans produced for regular service have made their way to FedEx, Purolator, and UPS for trial runs.
   The parcel companies are members of the Hybrid, Electric and Advanced Truck Users Forum (HTUF) Parcel Delivery Working Group. Each purchased a vehicle with assistance from CALSTART through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. CALSTART is an organization dedicated to reducing emissions across the transportation industry.
   The vans were assembled by Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. with bodies by Morgan Olson and drivetrains from Parker Hannifin. HTUF said the construction is noteworthy because the drivetrains are hydraulic instead of electric.
   “After recent EPA testing, Parker’s system came out best in class compared to similar hybrid systems. We are anxiously waiting to see real world test results from our three customers,” said Shane Terblanche, general manager of Parker’s hybrid drive systems division.
   Terblanche said Parker’s hybrid drive system on the trucks was designed for medium-duty and start-and-stop applications prevalent in parcel delivery. Braking energy is recovered and stored in hydraulic accumulators, and used to power the truck during acceleration.
   The trucks also feature advanced engine controls to reduce unnecessary run times, which the company said can reduce fuel use by up to 40 percent.
   HTUF noted UPS has previously tested a hydraulic hybrid and its performance in trials is why the company purchased one for actual runs.
   CALSTART, HTUF, and the Energy Department will monitor the trucks, with assistance from the parcel companies, to gather data and establish metrics such as expected fuel economy and maintenance costs.