American Electric Power is expanding its green efforts to include more hybrid trucks.

AEP announced that it has ordered 18 International DuraStar Hybrid diesel trucks, bringing the total number of hybrid utility trucks in its fleet to 22.

International DuraStar Hybrid trucks can provide fuel savings of nearly 60 percent in utility-type applications when the engine can be shut off, but electric power still operates the vehicle. Diesel emissions are completely eliminated when the hybrid truck operates equipment (like overhead utility booms) solely on the truck's battery power, instead of requiring the engine to run.

The additional 18 hybrid units are expected to be delivered this summer. Thirteen will operate in Indiana Michigan Power's fleet. AEP has nearly 1,500 International trucks in its fleet.

"The hybrid combination of the diesel engine and electric battery provides a number of advantages for companies like AEP," said Jim Williams, director of sales and distribution, new products, Navistar. "We commend AEP for exhibiting leadership with this new technology. The ability to cut diesel fuel use in half, reduce emissions, reduce greenhouse gases and reduce engine wear not only is a smart environmental decision, it's a smart business decision as well."

International DuraStar Hybrid trucks employ a parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture that is supplied by Eaton. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the automated transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. The hybrid-electric system recovers energy during braking, and can add power back into the driveline during start and acceleration.

This capability makes the truck more efficient in standard driving, particularly in city and stop-and-go driving. When the truck reaches a work site, the hybrid system can power the hydraulic pump that operates the aerial device and the tools for up to two hours without the engine running. It is this ability to shut the engine down at work sites that helps the truck cut fuel use so significantly. The engine-off option during worksite operations further reduces noise, emissions and fuel costs.

More info: www.internationaltrucks.com