Brown Goes Green: EPA and Partners
to Unveil UPS
Truck With 60 to 70 Percent Higher Fuel Economy
Contact: John Millett, (202) 564-4355 / millet.john@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - June 21, 2006) Your normal UPS delivery truck will not be
the same as EPA unveils the world's most fuel-efficient and cost-effective
delivery vehicle. The first of its kind, EPA and UPS partnered to develop a UPS
truck that uses EPA-patented hydraulic hybrid technology that can achieve fuel
efficiency by 60-70 percent in urban driving and lower greenhouse gas emissions
by 40 percent.
"EPA and our partners are not just delivering packages with this UPS truck – we
are delivering environmental benefits to the American people," said EPA
Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "President Bush is moving technology
breakthroughs from the labs to the streets. We are doing what is good for our
environment, good for our economy, and good for our nation's energy security."
Laboratory tests show that this hybrid technology has the potential to
dramatically improve the fuel economy for package delivery vehicles, shuttle and
transit buses, and refuse pickup. More than 1,000 gallons of fuel each year
could be saved per vehicle. EPA estimates that upfront costs for the hybrid
components could be recouped in fewer than three years for a typical delivery
vehicle. The net savings over the vehicle's lifespan could exceed $50,000,
assuming current fuel prices.
The vehicle features a full hydraulic hybrid powertrain and a unique hydraulic
hybrid propulsion system integrated with the drive axle. Hydraulic motors and
hydraulic tanks are used to store energy, in contrast to electric motors and
batteries used in electric hybrid vehicles. Like other hybrid systems, energy
saved when applying the brakes is reused to help accelerate the vehicle.
Following a road tour of EPA Regional offices, the vehicle will be delivering
UPS packages across Michigan this summer.
This partnership is occurring through Cooperative Research and Development
Agreements, which Congress established to facilitate technology transfer of
patented inventions from national laboratories to industry and the marketplace.
Partners on the project are Eaton Corp., UPS, International Truck and Engine
Corp., U.S. Army – National Automotive Center, and Morgan-Olson. Major technical
support was provided by FEV Engine Technology Inc. and Southwest Research
Institute.