Hybrid Truck Production Started By Peterbilt
Peterbilt has begun production of medium-duty trucks, delivering two production Model 335 hybrid diesel-electric trucks to VinLux Fine Wine Transport of Napa, Calif., a joint venture of Biagi Bros. and Jackson Family Estates. The company will operate the Peterbilt trucks in cities such as San Francisco.
The Class 7 Model 335 uses Eaton’s hybrid-electric power system with an electric motor that assists the Paccar PX-6 engine with supplemental torque for improved fuel economy. The system stores energy during stopping through a process called regenerative braking, then reuses it for acceleration.
Although the hybrid version costs 40 percent more than a regular Model 335, federal tax credits and the high price of diesel mean that VinLux can realize a return on investment in as little as two years. The tax credit, currently available through 2009, is up to $12,000 for the Class 7 335 hybrid and up to $6,000 for the Class 6 330 hybrid.
In a related development, Peterbilt announced a demonstration tour to allow prospective hybrid customers in the United States and Canada to evaluate the 2009 Model 330 and 335 hybrids for applications such as utility, pickup-and-delivery, and dump trucks.
