Odyne Systems has delivered six new plug-in hybrid trucks to Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest utility. The vehicles include three Terex Commander digger derricks, two Terex bucket trucks and an under-deck compressor vehicle with a Boss hydraulic lift and compressor.

All six trucks were manufactured by Milwaukee-based DUECO, an independent provider of trucks for the utility market, using an IHC chassis.

The Odyne plug-in hybrid system not only increases fuel efficiency while driving, but can also power the equipment on the trucks without using the engine, significantly reducing noise levels at the work site. The trucks feature smart grid capabilities to charge the hybrid batteries at the most opportune time.

Odyne’s modular systems can be integrated into powertrains during the manufacturing process or retrofitted to existing truck chassis. Designed for trucks over 14,000 pounds, Odyne’s system can achieve fuel economy improvements of up to 50%, according to the company.

Odyne plans to deliver some 120 trucks for companies and government agencies as part of a $90-million program to produce about 300 plug-in hybrid trucks, supported by the DOE, the California Energy Commission and the Electric Power Research Institute.

“With delivery of these six vehicles, we continue to expand the applications where an Odyne plug-in hybrid system is providing the power and advantages that only the Odyne system offers,” said Odyne CEO Joe Dalum. “Our hybrid system is unique in the industry in delivering unprecedented high efficiency power both during drive time and at the work site across many truck applications.”             

Source: Odyne Systems