Eaton Corp. announced on Dec. 23 that customers of its hybrid systems have collectively accumulated more than 100 million miles of service, reducing fuel consumption by 4 million gallons of diesel fuel and harmful emissions by 40,000 metric tons.
More than 4,500 of Eaton's hybrid systems are in use on city buses, school buses, package delivery trucks, beverage delivery trucks, refrigerated delivery trucks, refuse and recycling trucks, utility vehicles and other commercial applications. Eaton has also begun offering a complete line of electric vehicle charging systems to further reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions.
The company set major hybrid systems milestones in 2010, delivering systems to global customers in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and United States.
Eaton also began commercial production of its hybrid hydraulic system known as Eaton Hydraulic Launch Assist or Eaton HLA in the fall of 2010.
Earlier this year UPS ordered 130 of Eaton's hybrid system that will be deployed next year in New York, New Jersey and California. UPS estimates these 130 delivery vehicles will save 66,085 gallons of fuel and 671 metric tons of emissions annually, representing a 35% improvement in fuel economy. The company says that's the equivalent of 128 passenger cars being taken off the road.
"Hybrid electric technology has proven itself to be effective in the field," said Mike Britt, UPS's director of vehicle engineering. "We are eager to receive these new Hybrids and get them on the road. Continued investment in fuel-efficient technology is a part of UPS's overall environmental strategy."
Companies such as FedEx, Coca-Cola Enterprises and PepsiCo are using delivery vehicles with Eaton hybrid systems. Work trucks with Eaton hybrid power are also in service at Florida Power and Light, and many utility and telecom companies across North America and city bus transit fleets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America are using Eaton hybrid power in their fleets.
