GALESBURG, Mich — Eaton has been selected to provide hybrid power systems for 50 step-van delivery trucks to be purchased by UPS.

The trucks are built by Freightliner and International with the first of the units expected to begin service in June. UPS hopes to achieve fuel savings in the range of 35 per cent over traditional vehicles. The hybrid trucks will also dramatically reduce emissions.

Eaton’s hybrid power system includes an automated transmission, integrated motor/generator and advanced technology batteries, the company says. The Freightliner trucks will use a MBE 904 four-cylinder diesel engine with the International vehicles employing an International VT-275 six-cylinder diesel powerplant.

“Eaton is extremely pleased to be recognized as the leader in the commercialization of hybrid power for commercial vehicles. This order, combined with other significant orders in the delivery van segment and for public utility trucks, signals that hybrid power is ready for broader commercialization,” said Jim Sweetnam, senior vice-president and president, Truck Group.

Eaton has been working with International to develop an integrated heavy hybrid propulsion system for UPS urban package delivery vehicles since 2002.

“UPS provided great support to Eaton and International Truck throughout the DOE/NREL project in terms of ‘voice of the customer,'” said Scott Davis, senior chief engineer for special projects engineering for Eaton’s Hybrid Power Systems business unit. “UPS conducted a three-month field trial of an International truck with an Eaton prototype system, which provided invaluable driver feedback regarding the system operation and drivability. Those inputs were engineered into the production-intent system that will be running in these first 50 trucks.”

“UPS has partnered with Eaton over the last five years to test hybrid drive train systems in real world settings,” said Robert Hall, UPS’s fleet environmental manager. “We are excited about the technology advancements Eaton and UPS have achieved through testing and look forward to seeing these next-generation hybrids perform for our fleet.”

Eaton’s hybrid power system will be provided to Freightliner and International for standard assembly line installation at the OEMs’ plants.