KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Eaton Corp. says that trucks with its hybrid-electric systems have now accumulated more than 200 million miles of service, eliminating the consumption of about eight million gallons of fuel and reducing emissions by 80,000 tonnes.

More than 5,500 vehicles with Eaton’s hybrid system are in use today, the company announced.

Eaton’s leadership position in hybrid power systems is expanding, and we’re seeing global acceptance of hybrid technology among truck and bus manufacturers as well as fleet owners and operators,” said John Ritter, vice-president and general manager of Eaton’s Hybrid Power Systems division. “Many initial hybrid customers are returning to place orders for trucks and buses and a record number of new customers are starting to step forward and experience the benefits of our proven technology.”

Eaton also announced a new program that lowers the service replacement costs for its hybrid power systems electronic carriers (PECs). Customers can now slash their PEC replacement costs in half, thanks to the new program, Eaton claims.

“We are now entering the period when the early adopters of hybrid technology are beginning to require service of the hybrid power batteries outside the factory warranty period,” said Gerard Devito, director of engineering, Eaton Hybrid Power Systems. “We are committed to helping fleets receive real value in running cleaner, greener fleets by continuing to lower the overall costs of ownership for hybrid systems and prove a positive return on investment. This service replacement program is focused on doing just that.”

Replacement PECs will come with a standard warranty of one year, with a two-year extended protection plan available. The replacement program will be launched this month through participating dealers.

Eaton has also announced it will offer two auxiliary power generator (APG) options in 2012, which will allow fleets to run equipment from the vehicle without requiring the engine to idle for power generation.

“The APG options will quietly meet the power needs for customers using 115-volt singlephase tools and 208-volt three-phase loads,” Devito said. “By using the hybrid batteries for power, the APG option offers fleets real payback by further reducing fuel consumption.”