COMPETITION WATCH: UPS rolls out 50 new hybrid delivery trucks

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ATLANTA, Ga. — UPS has expanded its fleet of hybrid electric delivery trucks, deploying 50 hybrids to four locations: Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Phoenix.

The courier company already has 20,000 low-emission and alternative fuel vehicles in use.

“We’re excited to be among the first to deploy the latest in HEV technology because it promises a 45% increase in fuel economy in addition to a dramatic decrease in vehicle emissions,” said Robert Hall, director of UPS ground fleet engineering.

The new trucks were built by Workhorse Custom Chassis and Freightliner with the hybrid power system developed by Eaton. The system uses lithium ion batteries which boast faster recharging capabilities and last longer than traditional batteries. UPS says the 50 new trucks will combine to reduce fuel consumption by about 44,000 gallons each year compared to diesel delivery trucks. That results in a 457 tonne reduction in CO2 gases.

UPS will be monitoring fuel consumption closely and will share that data with the US Energy Department, the company announced. Other alternative fuel trucks in UPSs fleet include trucks powered by compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and electricity. The companys alternative fuel fleet has covered more than 126 million miles since 2000.

“Our long-term goal is to minimize dependence on fossil fuels and we will get there by deploying a wide variety of new automotive technologies in our fleet,” Hall said.

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