Freightliner has sold what it claims to be the first ever diesel-electric hybrid fuel delivery truck with on-site refueling service provider Diesel Direct.

The truck is a Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid, which will be put to work fueling commercial vehicles on job sites in Massachusetts.

Diesel Direct is one of the largest mobile refuelers in the US, delivering fuel to national, regional and local fleets throughout the US.

“Because our goal is to provide our customers with a reliable and efficient solution that reduces driver downtime, it’s imperative that our equipment is of the highest quality,” said Dan Abrams, founder and president of Diesel Direct. “That’s why, when we decided to develop our new diesel electric hybrid fuel truck, we turned to Freightliner Trucks.”

The truck uses Eaton’s hybrid-electric drivetrain system.

“One of our biggest expenses is just to fuel our own trucks,” said Abrams. “With the new Freightliner truck, we expect to save at least 25-30% in fuel consumption.”

The hybrid system also allows the company to run its pump while the engine is shut off, which not only saves fuel, but also runs quieter than idling the engine.

“We often pump fuel at night and in residential neighbourhoods, so it’s a real benefit,” Abrams said.