The new PHEVs, which were partially funded by the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program, are expected to deliver fuel efficiency of up to 50 percent per year over legacy diesel trucks.

Waukesha, Wisconsin-based Odyne Systems has delivered seven plug-in hybrid trucks to utilities and municipalities throughout Wisconsin. The new PHEVs, which were partially funded by the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program, are expected to deliver fuel efficiency of up to 50 percent per year over legacy diesel trucks.

Odyne’s modular hybrid systems feature Remy electric motors and modular Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery systems. Local firm DUECO assembled the trucks, using Navistar and Kenworth chassis.

Milwaukee County will use four of the new boom trucks to maintain traffic signals and street lighting. The city of Marshfield will be using their two units to maintain the local utility grid. Marshfield Utilities spokesman Greg Geiger is one of several officials who are looking forward to using the new trucks. “Besides saving fuel, the biggest benefit has been for our guys working on the ground. There are no diesel fumes to breathe in and it’s a nice quiet work environment to communicate in.”

Lorrie Lisek of Wisconsin Clean Cities noted, “the implementation of this technology in the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program has resulted in efforts not only to reduce our nation’s dependence on petroleum, but to additionally improve air quality and develop statewide economic opportunities.”

Image: Odyne Systems