Jun 6 2014
PECO recently added 22 new Terex XT55 hybrid bucket trucks, expanding the company’s fleet of green vehicles to 788. As part of PECO’s overall environmental commitment, the company supports the use of alternative fuel vehicles and related technologies, including the use of natural gas, biodiesel and electric vehicles.
“We are proud to be the first utility in the United States to deploy this type of vehicle through the combined Department of Energy and Electric Power Research Institute initiative,” said PECO President and CEO Craig Adams. “In addition to our core mission of providing safe and reliable service to our customers, PECO and all of Exelon share a strong commitment to protecting and preserving the environment, and operating a sustainable fleet is a key component of our efforts.”
The vehicles feature the Odyne plug-in hybrid power system, which allows users to operate auxiliary equipment at a work site without the truck’s engine power. While driving, the hybrid electric motor provides launch assist and regenerative braking, which improves fuel efficiency and also recharges the battery. By using an electric motor and battery, which reduces engine idle time, the new trucks reduce fleet operating and maintenance costs, and depending on duty cycle, enable large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50 percent compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines. In addition, the Odyne system reduces emissions and creates a quieter, safer work environment.
The trucks also will include advanced grid capabilities to charge the hybrid batteries at the most opportune time, reducing charging costs and excess demand on the utility grid.
The vehicles are part of a $45.4 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and South Coast Air Quality Management District of California (SCAQMD) initiative to develop and deploy plug-in hybrid systems for almost 300 trucks for companies and governmental entities throughout North America.
Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC). PECO serves 1.6 million electric and more than 500,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania and employs about 2,400 people in the region. PECO delivered 85.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 37.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2013. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations. For more information visit PECO.com, and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI's members represent approximately 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to more than 30 countries. EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.
SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
Odyne is a leader in hybrid drive systems for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Odyne’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology enables trucks over 14,000 pounds to have substantially lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, improved performance, quieter job site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has fielded more plug-in hybrid systems for large trucks throughout the United States than any other supplier. Odyne systems are modular and are integrated to powertrains during the new vehicle manufacturing process or are retrofit to existing truck chassis in various applications. The systems are sold and serviced through a worldwide distribution network including Altec, DUECO and Terex Utilities. Odyne has also authorized selected Allison Transmission distributors to service Odyne systems across North America. For further information, visit us at www.odyne.com and follow us on Twitter @Odyne.