Eaton will provide hybrid power systems for 50 step-van delivery vehicles made by International Truck and Engine and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation for package delivery company UPS.

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UPS announced last month that the first of the 50 vehicles would be based in Dallas from next June. UPS expects the vehicles to deliver up to a 35% improvement in fuel economy over conventionally-powered vehicles, in addition to dramatic decreases in vehicle emissions.


Eaton’s hybrid power system used in both the Freightliner and International chassis will employ an automated transmission, an integrated motor/generator, and advanced technology batteries.


The Freightliner Custom Chassis truck will use a Mercedes-Benz MBE 904 four-cylinder diesel engine, and the International Truck and Engine vehicle will have an International VT-275 six-cylinder diesel.


In September 2002, Eaton was awarded a US$7.1m contract to lead a project in the advanced heavy hybrid propulsion system (AHHPS) programme sponsored by the US Department of Energy and its National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL). Through this programme, Eaton, in partnership with International Truck and Engine, integrated a heavy hybrid propulsion system for installation in a prototype UPS urban package delivery vehicle.

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“UPS provided great support to Eaton and International Truck throughout the DOE/NREL project in terms of ‘voice of the customer’,” said Scott Davis, senior chief engineer for special projects engineering for Eaton’s hybrid power systems business unit. “UPS conducted a three-month field trial of an International truck with an Eaton prototype system, which provided invaluable driver feedback regarding the system operation and drivability. Those inputs were engineered into the production-intent system that will be running in these first 50 trucks.”


Eaton will provide its hybrid power systems to Freightliner and International for installation in a standard production line process at the truck makers’ plants. Unique software calibrations have been created for each chassis and engine configuration to ensure optimum drivability, performance and fuel efficiency.


Jim Sweetnam, senior vice president and president of Eaton’s truck group said: “The UPS business is another positive step toward achieving a critical volume of hybrid commercial vehicles that will provide a sustainable, commercially viable value proposition. The transition to that volume will continue to require tax credits and other incentives at the local, state and federal government level during the next three to four years. We’re working with fleets, truck makers, other Tier 1 suppliers and government officials to help make those incentives happen.”