Texas Power Company uses Hybrid Diesel Truck

I thought this was interesting. This is our local power provider. I wonder how much more they paid for it verses a conventional truck.
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TXU Tests Hybrid Bucket Truck

May 18, 2006 9:17 AM
TXU Electric Delivery


The first hybrid diesel-electric bucket truck in North Texas looks and works like a normal utility bucket truck, but it runs on up to 60% less fuel. The fuel-efficient truck joined TXU Electric Delivery’s fleet on May 17, 2006, in Dallas where it will be based. The hybrid bucket truck is 1 of only 24 operating in North America.

The hybrid vehicle, which will be used along with other bucket trucks for the maintenance and repair of overhead electric lines in selected parts of the company's system during the next two years, is part of a pilot program to develop technology that saves fuel and reduces emissions. Results of the program will be incorporated by truck manufacturers and technology companies that are moving forward to offer the trucks commercially.

"We are proud to be 1 of only 14 utilities across the country taking part in this pilot program," said Rob Trimble, president and CEO of TXU Electric Delivery. "Businesses and individuals both need to pitch in if we are going to save fuel and solve the problem of higher energy costs. In that spirit, TXU Electric Delivery is pleased to offer this glimpse at utility fleets of the future."

With fuel savings of 40% to 60% over conventional bucket trucks, which initial tests indicate, this hybrid model can achieve annual savings of up to US$4500 at today's fuel prices. It also offers the benefit of reduced maintenance. On the road, the truck runs on an efficient combination of bio-diesel and battery power. At jobsites, the utility bucket can operate for up to two hours on the battery charge, without the engine idling that is necessary with conventional bucket trucks. The result is fuel savings, along with reduced emissions and less noise in neighborhoods where service restoration is underway.

For the past six years, TXU Electric Delivery has been using bio-diesel that is 20% vegetable oil in 300 of its largest fleet trucks. When not on battery power, the hybrid bucket truck will use the same type of bio-diesel.

The hybrid truck was manufactured by International Truck and Engine Corp. (Washington, D.C., U.S.), in partnership with Eaton Corp. The national pilot program is administered by WestStart-CALSTART, a national organization for advanced transportation technology.