We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Heavy-duty hybrids a non-starter
Forward Thinking

Heavy-duty hybrids a non-starter

September 22, 2008
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

Hybrid-engine vehicles that run on both electric power and fossil fuel are in high demand for passenger cars these days. But don't expect to see heavy-duty trucks using Toyota Prius-style technology anytime soon, says a leading expert in the field.

"The concept of scaling up a Prius technology for a Class 8 truck is a non-starter," said David Alexander, an analyst at ABA research in Oyster Bay, New York, USA, who authored a report last year on the topic. "It's impractical and it won't happen."

The Prius, developed by Toyota Motor Corp., uses so-called parallel electric technology that depends on regenerative braking. A Prius captures energy when the vehicle slows, and it stores that energy in a battery for reuse when the car restarts and for low-speed operation.

"It's difficult for hybrids to work on Class 8 trucks because most of their operation involves cruising at 60 miles an hour or better," said Alexander in an interview.

Mid-sized trucks that handle local deliveries are more likely candidates for parallel electric hybrid technology, Alexander explained, because they make a number of stops and starts in the course of a day.

It's more likely that truck manufacturers will boost fuel economy by using hybrid technology to run ancillary systems like air conditioning units, cooling fans, or power steering. Alexander said trucks could use regenerative braking and battery storage to provide energy for ancillary features that now sap power from the engine. "It will not double fuel economy," he said of such design changes. "But five percent here and two percent there add up."

    • Related Articles

      Supply chain tasks weigh heavy in healthcare, survey shows

      Study finds charbroiled burgers produce more particulates than clean-diesel trucks

      ACT Research: latest data indicate a less severe economic downturn for 2023

    Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

    Manufacturing firms bemoan interest rates, talent shortage

    Median ransomware payment doubles to $26,000, Verizon says

    Schneider says California site can charge 32 battery-powered trucks at once

    You must login or register in order to post a comment.

    Report Abusive Comment

    Most Popular Articles

    • Report: Sagging freight stats show that trucking sector is returning to its historic mean

    • Survey: parcel delivery drivers are frustrated by using their own smartphones for work

    • Heavy transport across two continents

    • Survey: most Americans unaware that truckers face shortage of parking spaces

    • Supply chain executives not yet seeing expected results from technology investments

    Featured Video

    Household goods customs broker thumb

    Household Goods Customs Broker

    Viewer Contributed
    Household Goods Customs Broker :Gallagher Transport International is a highly experienced customs broker specializing in household goods, providing efficient and cost-effective customs clearance services while ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations. Our Services Include: Importing & Exporting...

    FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

    • Three layers of forklift safety: Promoting operating best practices

    • The Complete Guide to Automated Packaging

    • Five tips for parcel success in 2023

    • Guide to Pallet Rack Safety

    View More

    Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

    Get Your Subscription
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • E-NEWSLETTERS
    • ADVERTISING
    • CUSTOMER CARE
    • CONTACT
    • ABOUT
    • STAFF
    • PRIVACY POLICY

    Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing