Cox Enterprises adds nine International Durastar hybrid bucket trucks

Oct. 1, 2008
Cox Enterprises announced the addition of nine International Durastar hybrid bucket trucks. The hybrid trucks from Navistar provide potential fuel savings

Cox Enterprises announced the addition of nine International Durastar hybrid bucket trucks. The hybrid trucks from Navistar provide potential fuel savings of nearly 60 percent in utility-type applications when the engine is shut off and electric power still operates the vehicle. Diesel emissions are completely eliminated when the hybrid truck operates equipment such as overhead utility booms solely on the truck's battery power, instead of requiring the engine to run.

With the 13th largest fleet in the nation, Cox is transitioning its fleet to lessen its impact on the environment by using flex-fuel vehicles and replacing existing vehicles with more fuel-efficient and/or hybrid models. Cox's fleet is comprised of more than 15,000 vehicles, of which 257 are hybrids and 1,400 are capable of running on biodiesel.

The hybrid trucks will be used by Cox Enterprises' multi-service broadband communications and entertainment subsidiary, Cox Communications. A “boom” or “bucket arm” extends on the trucks so wires on utility poles can be repaired or maintained. The hybrid trucks will be used in these Cox Communications locations:

  • Hampton Roads VA (two)
  • New Orleans LA
  • Oklahoma City OK
  • Orange County CA
  • Phoenix AZ
  • Rhode Island
  • San Diego CA
  • Springfield VA

International hybrid trucks employ a parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture supplied by Eaton Corporation. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the automated transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. The hybrid-electric system recovers energy during braking, and can add power back into the driveline during start and acceleration.