NREL Evaluates UPS Hybrid-Electric Vans

The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory is collecting and analyzing data from 50 UPS hybrid diesel step delivery vans. Funded by the DOE’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, NREL’s Fleet Test & Evaluation team is performing a 12-month evaluation of hybrid vans in Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. The FT&E team will collect and analyze maintenance, fuel-economy and other performance data. NREL will publish its findings in fall 2008.

Eaton Corp. provided the hybrid propulsion systems for the vehicles, which were manufactured by Workhorse Custom Chassis and Freightliner Corp. The hybrid system employs an Eaton automated transmission, an integrated motor/generator and advanced Li-ion batteries. The Freightliner model has a Mercedes-Benz MBE 904 four-cylinder diesel engine, while the Workhorse model features an International VT-275 six-cylinder diesel.

The Eaton hybrid system was developed in part under a $7.5 million, 33-month contract from DOE’s Advanced Heavy Hybrid Propulsion System program.