The dual-mode tractor can be capably operated in regional and drayage operations where they can be run in electric-only mode at low speeds.
Benson Kong -
TruckTrend - May 7, 2009
Lots of these sorts of vehicles are showing up these days. --Ed.
ArvinMeritor's dual-mode tractor project took a couple years to develop, but the Troy, Michigan-based Tier 1 supplier can currently display its technological prowess with its new diesel-electric hybrid Class 8 tractor prototype. The hybrid truck prototype was developed in partnership with Wal-Mart, Navistar, and Cummins, with the developmental partnership initially announced in early 2007. Most recently, the dual-mode tractor prototype was put on display at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association's annual legislative summit held in Washington, D.C.
The ArvinMeritor hybrid truck is built on the Navistar ProStar tractor platform and powered on the diesel end by a Cummins ISX engine. The prototype's dual-mode concept took six months alone to figure out, but its results are impressive. The dual-mode configuration can ably power a fully loaded tractor-trailer on electricity alone at speeds below 48 mph for up to 20 minutes. As it stands now, truck operators will be able to save up to 3200 gallons of diesel fuel per year.
To achieve the increased efficiency, the electric portion of the powertrain system removes parasitic loads from the diesel engine, such as loads from powering the HVAC system. The electric drive system can also provide "hotel loads" to run devices in the truck cab without using the engine when the truck is parked. In motion, the system can supply additional power to the truck when climbing steep grades, helping to reduce the diesel engine's workload and cutting down on fuel consumption and engine and brake wear. The lithium-ion batteries used in the electric drive system can be recharged either through...
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