LONG BEACH, Calif. — US Hybrid has announced the launch of near-zero-emission natural gas-powered parallel hybrid powertrain technology to be used for drayage and long-haul Class 8 trucks.
After six years of research, development and testing, US Hybrid’s new vehicle-agnostic technology “will deliver more power, increased range and a more efficient powertrain than diesel-powered engines or other compressed natural gas (CNG) or renewable natural gas (RNG) alternatives,” a news release stated.
The technological advantages being touted by US Hybrid include:
- More Power — 640 hp combined power and 1770 lb-ft maximum torque from the natural gas-powered engine. The electric motor enables uphill acceleration with superior performance compared to its diesel engine alternatives.
- Less Fuel — A smaller 8.9 liters Near-Zero NOx engine will operate more efficiently, resulting in double fuel economy than a standard 15-liter engine and reducing fueling costs.
- Better Range — Preliminary testing suggests this fuel-efficient technology can deliver up to 1,000 miles of range per fuel fill, doubling range, power and torque for similar CNG/RNG trucks.
- Increased Efficiency — The improvement in CNG engine performance paralleled with the electric motor, with appropriate controls, for transient load uptake results in lower NOx emissions and lower fuel consumption
- Near Zero-Emission — US Hybrid says its technology emits lower than 0.02 g/bhp-hr of nitrogen dioxide and will significantly improve the air quality of neighborhoods near ports and warehouses.
- Zero-Emission Port and Harbor Transportation Operations — The company says its technology delivers a lower HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) impact on port operations and the surrounding communities.
In addition, the new CNG/RNG parallel hybrid powertrain features optional vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging technology.
US Hybrid says the technology, which is an “industry first, will add near-zero-emission road-side charging assistance to standard long-haul fleet operators, offering versatility and convenience to fleet customers.”
“We have reached another milestone on our path to accelerate the transition to commercial electrification across the transit and transportation value chain,” Macy Neshati, Interim CEO of US Hybrid said. “US Hybrid spends years perfecting our technology before it is brought to market. Our pathway to commercialization delivers a proven solution backed by data. Fleet customers can feel confident in the performance and reliability of US Hybrid’s new powertrain. Attendees at the ACT Expo will see firsthand, end-user benefits: increased vehicle range, less fuel requirements, and the reduced total cost of ownership, said Robin Mackie, president of mobility at Ideanomics.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
