Cox Enterprises, based in Atlanta, has added nine International DuraStar Hybrid bucket trucks to its fleet. The Navistar trucks bring Cox's fleet of hybrids to 257 out of 15,000 vehicles.
“At Cox, we're exploring all options to lessen our reliance on traditional petroleum resources,” said Mike Mannheimer, vp and chief procurement officer, Cox Enterprises. “Through our Cox Conserves program, we are actively reducing our company's carbon footprint, and these trucks are part of the larger solution. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also reduce our overall fuel costs.”
The hybrid trucks will be used by Cox Communications, the multi-broadband communications subsidiary of Cox Enterprises.
The DuraStar employs a parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture supplied by Eaton Corp. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the automated transmission. The hybrid-electric system recovers energy stored during braking, and can add power back into the driveline during start and acceleration. The system operates PTO devices for up to two hours without the engine running.
Navistar estimates a nearly 60% fuel savings for the vehicle in utility-type applications. The Hybrid Truck Users Forum (of which Cox is a member) estimates that 1,000-1,500 gals. of fuel can be saved per utility-type truck annually. It also results in annual greenhouse gas reductions of 11 to 16.5 tons per vehicle.
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