HD Diesel Hybrid Truck Powertrain Study

Abstract : One of the U.S. military's highest priorities is increasing the fuel efficiency of its ground vehicle fleet. The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) commissioned this study to explore the range of commercial Medium-Duty (MD) and Heavy-Duty (HD) trucks and transit buses with diesel-electric hybrid powertrains, and to document the experiences of fleet users of these vehicles. The primary powertrain focus is diesel engines and electric hybrid architectures. The vehicle focus includes Class 4 through Class 6 MD trucks, vans, and shuttle buses (14,001 - 26,000 lb Gross Vehicle Weight [GVW]), and Class 7 and 8 HD trucks and transit buses (26,000 lb GVW) that are primarily available in the North American market. Interviews were conducted with hybrid vehicle and powertrain manufacturers and the largest fleet users of hybrid-electric trucks and buses to obtain detailed insight into present and future product plans plus usage opinions and experiences not documented in other literature