POINTE-CLAIRE, Que. — FPInnovations will conduct two $50,000 studies on eco-energy optimization for the Quebec Transport Ministry (MTQ). The studies will analyze and compare the shipment of freight in urban centres by hybrid trucks and conventional diesel trucks.

Through its Program Innovation Transport (PIT), FPInnovations will analyze all of the environmental, economic and energy parameters for two hybrid trucks operated by the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) and Agropur. The MTQ has assigned FPInnovations the responsibility for monitoring and analyzing the vehicles’ performance.

The data gathered from the SAQ truck will be analyzed in comparison with shipments of the same type of freight using conventional trucks, with the hopes of identifying and understanding the advantages of hybrid technology in the transport sector.

As for the Agropur truck, the FPInnovations researchers will focus specifically on hybrid vehicle driving techniques. The study will identify behaviours that drivers should adopt in order to take full advantage of hybrid technology. FPInnovations will then prepare specialized training for hybrid vehicle drivers based on research findings.

Among the numerous parameters for the two studies, officials say fuel consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be of prime importance.

According to Pierre Lapointe, president and CEO of FPInnovations: “The participation of the Ministère des Transports du Québec directly supports the eco-energy efforts devoted by the road transport industry, which is seeking innovative solutions to improve its energy efficiency and its environmental and economic performance. We are pleased to be able to call on our knowledge and share PIT network resources for the benefit of the entire transport industry, including both heavy trucks and municipal vehicle fleets.”