KIRKLAND, Wash. — Paccar has targeted an ambitious goal of 30 percent improvement in vehicle fuel efficiency for selected medium-duty applications over the next seven years utilizing hybrid technology as a key contributor to achieving this objective.

“Paccar’s comprehensive global hybrid program is aimed at commercializing energy management systems that provide benefits to both our customers and the environment,” said Mark C. Pigott, Paccar chairman and chief executive officer.

Hybrid power systems consist of an electric motor generator and onboard energy storage system. Power from the engine is used to drive the vehicle directly or to charge the storage device. Hybrid systems provide maximum fuel savings in applications where frequent braking and acceleration is required, such as local delivery and vocational applications. Customers also benefit from lower maintenance costs due to reduced wear on the braking system, the company says.

“Availability of hybrid-powered Paccar trucks is targeted for 2008 in defined medium-duty applications,” said Jim Cardillo, Paccar senior vice-president.

Paccar design engineers are currently working with Eaton’s Hybrid Power Systems business unit to advance the company’s hybrid leadership position.

In over-the-road applications, hybrid power systems store energy to be used while the vehicles are stationery.

The Kenworth Clean Power and Peterbilt Comfort Class systems are scheduled for release in 2007 and maintain the vehicle’s cabin temperatures at comfortable levels and provide power to operate other cab electrical systems without running the engine. Based on the U.S. national average of 1,850 idling hours per year for an over-the-road Class 8 vehicle, the system provides the potential for an 8 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, worth several thousand dollars per vehicle each year, according to Paccar.

— via Truckinginfo.com