FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., in concert with Environmental Defense and Eaton Corp., has introduced a low-emission, hybrid electric powered delivery vehicle
that could become a standard medium-duty delivery truck for the FedEx Express fleet.
The FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric vehicle will decrease particulate emissions by 90%, reduce smog-causing emissions by 75% and increase fuel efficiency by 50%.
David J. Bronczek, president of FedEx Express, said "This hybrid electric truck demonstrates that technology is available now to begin to achieve environmental goals and meet our operational requirements. The environmental and business gains of this project signal a revolution in truck technology and set a new standard for the industry."
Eaton Corp. was the company selected to produce the hybrid electric powertrain for FedEx Express. FedEx Express has agreed to purchase 20 hybrid electric diesel delivery trucks using Eaton's innovative hybrid electric technology. Later this year and into early 2004, these 20 vehicles will begin operation in four yet-to-be-named U.S. cities. These hybrid electric vehicles will endure real-world FedEx operating conditions to verify and prove their viability in commercial applications.
As the trucks succeed in meeting project goals, FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric trucks will be placed in the company's pick up and delivery fleet as early as fall 2004. FedEx Express expects to purchase hybrid electric vehicles on the company's normal purchasing schedule for routes in the U.S. and Canada, where medium-sized delivery trucks are used. This program has the potential to replace the company's 30,000 medium-duty trucks over the next 10 years.
Eaton's hybrid-electric powertrain effectively combines a diesel engine and electric motor to drive the vehicle. A computer determines the most efficient combination, depending on current operating conditions and driver demand. A four-cylinder engine replaces the six-cylinder version currently used in the FedEx Express W700 delivery vehicle. The engine size is reduced because of the added power provided by the electric motor. A particulate trap has been added to the truck to further reduce emissions.
Lithium-ion batteries capture and store energy during the "regenerative braking" phase of the vehicle's operation, providing a source of stored electric power for the motor during future acceleration. Therefore, all electrical charging of the battery is provided by the hybrid electric powertrain, and no external electrical infrastructure, such as a power cord or electrical outlet, is needed. This balance between conventional and electric technology is an innovative method to improve environmental performance and decrease fuel use while eliminating the need for high electrical-demand infrastructure costs. The hybrid electric truck's operating characteristics will remain virtually unchanged from that of a conventionally powered FedEx Express vehicle.
Eaton's hybrid electric power train has been placed in the standard white FedEx Express W700 delivery truck, which utilizes a Freightliner chassis. The hybrid electric delivery vehicle will be differentiated from the standard FedEx Express delivery vehicle only by an OptiFleet brand decal on the sides and rear of the vehicle. The hybrid electric E700 has a gross vehicle weight of approximately 16,000 lbs. and a cargo capacity of approximately 670 cubic feet.
For more information, visit www.fedex.com.
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