Hybrid from Diesel Direct, Freightliner
Dec 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Diesel Direct and Freightliner Trucks together have developed a diesel electric hybrid fuel truck. The Freightliner Business Class M2 106 hybrid will be used to deliver fuel to fleets primarily in Massachusetts.
Boston-based Diesel Direct uses custom-designed delivery trucks to provide on-site diesel refueling services to national, regional, and local fleets, tanks, and equipment throughout the United States. One of the nation's largest mobile refuelers, Diesel Direct delivers fuel to Fortune 500 firms and private companies.
Diesel Direct's Freightliner Business Class M2 106 features the Eaton Hybrid Electric Drivetrain System, a parallel hybrid system that enables the truck to operate using the diesel engine alone, or in combination with the hybrid electric motor.
“One of our biggest expenses is just to fuel our own trucks,” said Dan Abrams, founder and president of Diesel Direct. “With the new Freightliner truck, we expect to save at least 25% to 30% in fuel consumption.”
According to Abrams, Diesel Direct also sought to create an alternative system to not only save money on fuel, but also to be a good neighbor.
“With our new electric hybrid truck, we can shut off the engine while pumping fuel, which not only significantly reduces fuel consumption, but greatly decreases noise,” said Abrams. “We often pump fuel at night and in residential neighborhoods, so it's a real benefit.”
