Mack Trucks recently delivered the first diesel-electric hybrid refuse truck to the U.S. Air Force Advanced Power Technology Office.

The Mack TerraPro Low Entry refuse truck was turned over to APTO at Warner Robbins Air Logistics Center at Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.

The TerraPro hybrid has a rear-loading refuse packer body and is equipped with a 325-horsepower Mack MP7 engine. The Mack hybrid electric powertrain used in the truck features an integrated starter, alternator and motor that assists the MP7 in providing torque to the wheels and regenerates energy during braking. The energy captured during braking (stored as electricity in lithium ion batteries) is then used in place of diesel fuel and helps launch the truck from stops.

This technology provides the maximum fuel savings on routes with frequent braking and accelerations. The use of this hybrid system is expected to improve fuel economy by 20 percent to 30 percent and provide a similar benefit on greenhouse emissions, while reducing cost of maintenance.

The TerraPro underwent extensive testing of the hybrid system prior to delivery, with several thousand accumulated miles of operation. After APTO reviews and tests the truck, they will provide it to the City of Macon, Ga., for continued testing in their municipal waste collection operation. This testing will be part of an agreement between APTO, the City of Macon and the Clean Cities Coalition of Georgia. While there, it will generate "real life" test data, including fuel consumption and overall vehicle operation.