Eaton Corporation’s Hybrid Power business unit has launched a new web-based “customer value calculator” for hybrid power systems. It allows would-be buyers to compute their estimated return on investment in hybrid vehicles.

The calculator compares the estimated costs associated with operating a vehicle with a hybrid electric powertrain versus those of a conventional powertrain. It provides the information for two vocational truck types – delivery and utility.

For delivery vehicles, estimated savings are determined according to: typical truck life, annual miles driven, and fuel mileage of the current fleet.

For utility vehicles, estimated savings are determined according to those same three factors, plus: typical hours at work site per day, working days per year, and idle gallons per hour.

Results are then displayed in an “easy-to-follow format” including estimated price, savings, and payback figures according to three scenarios – worst, typical, and best conditions. A bar chart shows information on estimated percentage of fuel usage plus subsequent driving and work site savings.

The calculator allows the buyer to include any tax incentives, rebates, or grants that may be offered.