On-road testing of what UPS says is the industry’s first hybrid electric delivery truck is scheduled to be finished in February.

The vehicle is currently being used to pick up and deliver packages at 158 locations on a 31-mile route in Huntsville, Ala. After the end of final HEV testing in February, the company will consider expanding use of the hybrid-electric vehicles to other areas.
UPS began the research and design phase of its HEV project three years ago. The company teamed up with PEI Electronics, a developer of hybrid electric technology for the military, in late 2000 to develop a prototype vehicle to operate in UPS's fleet.
HEV technology combines the technologies of conventional engines and electric motors. The engine turns a generator to provide electrical energy for 23 batteries and the drive motor, which propels the vehicle. A process called regenerative braking uses the motor as a brake and recaptures the vehicle's energy, which is then stored in the batteries for future use.
At optimal operating conditions a hybrid vehicle increases fuel economy by two times current miles per gallon, and reduces exhaust emissions by up to 50 percent. UPS is targeting the goal of these vehicles matching or improving upon current UPS vehicle mechanical reliability and operational efficiency.
UPS already operates the largest private fleet of compressed natural gas vehicles in the United States and has a total alternative fuel fleet of more than 1,800 vehicles, according to the company, including all-electric vans, liquefied natural gas tractors and propane delivery vehicles.