Freightliner developed diesel hybrid electric engines

Marketing for applications such as delivery vans, utility vehicles

Stanford University Graduate School of Business studying applications

Freightliner, FedEx joint venture building fleet of diesel-electric hybrids

20 pilot vehicles in service since 2004

Hybrid powertrains provide significant gains in fuel economy

Also reduction in emissions, noise pollution, engine idling

Utility work trucks, walk-in vans excellent candidates

Hybrid E700 FedEx Express truck reduced PM 93%, NOx 54%

Improved fuel efficiency by 45%

"We have been working on diesel-electric hybrid programs since 2001 and are pleased with our efforts so far in helping achieve better fuel economy for the delivery and utility markets." -- Elmar Boeckenhoff, senior VP, engineering and technology, Freightliner

"While our primary targets are walk-in vans, utility vehicles and potentially school buses, among other commercial vehicles, it's only a matter of time before hybrid technology makes it into the rest of our product line. Our hybrid diesel-electric vehicles will influence even heavy-duty truck development." -- Boeckenhoff

Electric motor starts vehicle in motion

Diesel engine provides torque as needed or when batteries need recharging

PM = particulate matter (diesel exhaust soot) harmful when inhaled

NOx = nitrogen oxides which are precursors for ozone (smog) formation