kenworth class 7 hybrid

Jack_Berry · Aug 14, 2007

http://blogs.dieselpowermag.com/6213658/diesel-news/kenworth-delivers-first-hybrid-truck/index.html

just a hint of things to come?

Jack Berry

unorthodoxneon · Aug 14, 2007

I hope to see more hybrids come into play. But thats just more parts to go wrong. Is getting a couple MPG better worth paying thousands to replace batteries/alts/electric motors? Only time will tell i guess.

greg334 · Aug 14, 2007

unorthodoxneon, you hit on something.

I think that most of the hybrid technology will not improve the OTR trucks, only city bound or very short haul trucks will see the savings.

Practicality of using ;hybrids; as OTR trucks seem to be too far off in the future. On the other hand, there are gains with environmental improvements in sleepers and other means to get more energy efficiently with the engines and drive trains. One thing I saw on one trip in California was a diesel/electric drive train for a OTR truck being tested which shows promise but again it is in the future.

rdtrpn · Apr 30, 2008

greg334 said:
unorthodoxneon, you hit on something.

I think that most of the hybrid technology will not improve the OTR trucks, only city bound or very short haul trucks will see the savings.

Practicality of using ;hybrids; as OTR trucks seem to be too far off in the future. On the other hand, there are gains with environmental improvements in sleepers and other means to get more energy efficiently with the engines and drive trains. One thing I saw on one trip in California was a diesel/electric drive train for a OTR truck being tested which shows promise but again it is in the future.

Think again of when you are stuck in a back up on the highway because of a traffic accidents or construction. Most of the cars like the toyota prius are on the batteries when speeds slow down to 35mph or slower when there isn't much throttle being used. It may be different for a truck. If your stuck in traffic for a few hours a week sure its only going to save a few gallons, but it will add up. Also on the very hot summer days when that engine stops and the batteries kick in it will be a lot cooler on the components and a little easier on the a/c saving a little more from not having as much ambient heat flow up to the cab. I would estimate that in the mileage that I do with the above considerations and time spent a red lights, pulling into shipper, consignees and truck stops when you're only doing 5-15 mph I could save as much as 10 gallons a week. Thats about $40.

ATeam · Apr 30, 2008

Look at the bright side. Increasing traffic congestion means hours upon additional hours of stop and go driving. Great news for hybrid owners.!

greg334 · Apr 30, 2008

rdtrpn said:
Think again of when you are stuck in a back up on the highway because of a traffic accidents or construction. Most of the cars like the toyota prius are on the batteries when speeds slow down to 35mph or slower when there isn't much throttle being used. It may be different for a truck. If your stuck in traffic for a few hours a week sure its only going to save a few gallons, but it will add up. Also on the very hot summer days when that engine stops and the batteries kick in it will be a lot cooler on the components and a little easier on the a/c saving a little more from not having as much ambient heat flow up to the cab. I would estimate that in the mileage that I do with the above considerations and time spent a red lights, pulling into shipper, consignees and truck stops when you're only doing 5-15 mph I could save as much as 10 gallons a week. Thats about $40.

rdtrpn
Not really the case. The added weight, the added equipment and the higher PM and repair cost will be more than the savings realized in fuel savings.