Closer to production, a hydraulic hybrid Class 8 truck for refuse collection applications should be available before the end of the year, according to Jackson. Based on Pete’s cabover Model 320, it compresses hydraulic fluid on vehicle deceleration and then uses that stored power for launch assistance. It features two operating modes that can either improve productivity by 25% with faster launch speeds or fuel economy by a similar margin, according to Landon Sproull, Peterbilt chief engineer. It will also improve brake life by 50% in that application, he said.
In addition to it hybrids, Peterbilt plans on having two LNG-powered trucks in its product lineup. The cabover Model 320 LNG is powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G and is already in production, Sproull said. Applications include municipal service fleets and refuse collection.
The second LNG truck, the conventional Class 8 Model 387 will get a 15-liter ISX G from Westport Innovations. Available next year, it’s intended for port container hauling applications, especially in the California region.
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