With more than a thousand trucks in its fleet, BMC West is always looking for ways to deliver products more efficiently while conserving fuel. So, the Boise, Idaho-based company recently jumped at the chance

to become one of the first fleets in North America to operate Kenworth's new medium-duty hybrid trucks.
"It was an easy decision to partner with Kenworth on this vehicle," said Brian Gable, fleet manager for BMC West, which has provided homebuilders and "do-it-yourselfers" with lumber and building supplies since 1987.
So far, the Kenworth medium-duty hybrid truck is proving effective as it serves the greater Seattle area from BMC West's operation in Issaquah, Wash. Gable already reports a significant improvement in fuel economy compared to a similarly spec'd Kenworth T300, and the fuel savings could go even higher with more in-city routes and less freeway time.
"There is a lot of potential at BMC West for hybrid technology as more and more of our delivery routes are through suburban areas with a lot of stop-and-go activity," said Gable. "That's where the Kenworth medium-duty hybrid really shines."
The Kenworth Class 7 hybrid can carry a payload of up to 16,000 pounds, features a Paccar PX-6 240 horsepower engine, integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, frame-mounted 340-volt battery and dedicated power management system.
Above 30 mph, the Kenworth hybrid operates like a standard diesel vehicle with all power coming from the engine during steady driving conditions. Below 30 mph, it uses a combination of diesel and electricity with the system automatically switching between the two modes of operation. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine.
In addition to the medium-duty hybrid, Kenworth's dedication to the "green fleet" also includes the Kenworth Clean Power no-idle system, EPA SmartWay program, and Kenworth T800 liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks.