In separate announcements, truck maker Kenworth rolled out its diesel-electric hybrid truck and Detroit Diesel completed 25 million miles of testing on its emissions reduction technology.
The Kenworth T370 diesel-electric hybrid truck was featured at a press conference held by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to discuss the city’s latest green transportation initiatives. The event took place at the Queens District 5 facility operated by the New York Department of Sanitation
The Kenworth T370 went into service this past spring as the first medium duty diesel-electric hybrid truck in New York City’s truck fleet. “The Kenworth hybrid truck is already providing cleaner air in the community,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “A clean environment is important to our citizens and clean trucks will play a growing and essential role.”
New York City’s Kenworth T370 hybrid is equipped with a PACCAR PX-6 engine rated at 240 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque, and the Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system. The Kenworth hybrid’s assignment is to pick up and deliver supplies and parts for the Department of Sanitation’s various locations throughout the New York City metropolitan area. The department expects to introduce three more Kenworth T370 hybrids into service later in the year.
Kenworth hybrids use an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator; frame-mounted 340-volt, lithium-ion battery pack; and dedicated power management system. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through an in-dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.
The Kenworth T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid trucks are for use in pickup and delivery, utility, and service applications. Kenworth medium duty hybrid tractors, available up to 55,000-lb GCW, are for local haul applications, including beverage, general freight, and grocery distribution. Purchasers of Kenworth hybrid trucks may qualify for a federal tax credit ranging from $6,000 to $12,000.
In other news, Detroit Diesel BlueTec SCR completed 25 million miles of testing, becoming the most tested and proven emissions reduction technology, according to Detroit Diesel.
By its rollout on January 1, 2010, the Detroit Diesel BlueTec technology will surpass 28 million miles of testing, making it one of the most proven and tested emissions reduction technologies ever, says the company. "We are pleased to have taken full advantage of our early choice of SCR as the best technology for our customers for 2010,” said David Siler, director of marketing, Detroit Diesel. “The 2010 BlueTec technology will be one of most extensively tested emissions technology systems in our company's history, and having this decade of experience has allowed Detroit Diesel and Daimler Trucks North America to not only have an extended period of time for system design and performance refinement but also to gain significant testing and validation experience."
BlueTec will incorporate the enhanced performance of Detroit Diesel's recently introduced DD15, DD13 and DD16 big bore engines, as well as the already proven ACRS fuel system and an integrated engine-compression brake. Detroit Diesel's BlueTec technology includes a 1-Box packaging design optimized for low back-pressure and an all-new, robust DPF material. The BlueTec aftertreatment system will utilize diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and has been fully optimized for low emissions and high fuel economy, said the company.
