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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

First Class 6 Truck Tested through NREL's Advanced Heavy Hybrid Propulsion Program

July 14, 2004

Photo of International Truck Corporation truck.

International Truck Corporation truck

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Eaton Corporation tested the first Class 6 hybrid electric vehicle through the Advanced Heavy Hybrid Propulsion System (AH2PS) Program at NREL's ReFUEL Laboratory, in June 2004. ReFUEL, a high-altitude, heavy-duty engine and vehicle laboratory, is the first in the United States dedicated to researching and developing renewable and synthetic fuels and lubricants for heavy-duty transportation applications. The facility receives funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program.

NREL's ReFUEL Laboratory was used to gather critical fuel economy data and to quantify the sensitivity of fuel economy to drive cycle and hybrid control strategy in the Eaton AH2PS Class 6 hybrid vehicle. Data were also gathered on performance and emissions to support further modeling and hybrid system development. This was the first use of the ReFUEL Laboratory to support AH2PS Program testing needs, and it allowed the Eaton AH2PS project to stay on budget and schedule in its hybrid vehicle modeling and technology validation R&D work. The test demonstrated the flexibility and capability of the ReFUEL facility in heavy hybrid propulsion testing.

The AH2PS Program develops and demonstrates advanced, next-generation heavy hybrid propulsion components and systems to increase fuel economy in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles up to 100%, while maintaining the Environmental Protection Agency's 2007 emission standards. AH2PS-developed technologies are projected to save approximately 20 million barrels/year of oil in 2010 and 250 million barrels/year of oil in 2020.

The AH2PS Program has awarded three cost-shared subcontracts. In September 2002, the first AH2PS subcontract was awarded to Eaton Corporation-Truck Components for $7 million over a three-year period. International Truck and Engine Corporation, Ricardo, and Hitachi are partners with Eaton on this Class 4-6 hybrid truck team.