HTUF is a Process for Commercialization

HTUF is committed to action and achieving results in the market. This sets it apart from past research and other programs. It has focused on moving hybrid technology from the prototype to the production stage by linking together commercial and military fleets in the most promising truck market segments and driving to purchase and production commitments. Currently, the U.S. is the world leader in medium- and heavy-duty hybrid technology, partly through this focused activity.

HTUF works to assist users and truck makers reach pre-production manufacturing levels and deployment based on developing common key performance requirements (KPPs) with committed users. Steps to achieve this may include fleet characterization, business case development, life-cycle and performance modeling, and sharing technical information. These KPPs, shared with manufacturers, serve as the basis of pilot deployments and then production. HTUF has accelerated this process by "seeding" these deployments with support funding from partners such as the NAC, which then gets access to field results on deployed vehicles faster and at lower cost than working alone. These next generation vehicles enter service nationwide for assessment and validation, followed by next level production and purchase commitments. The process has led to the first commercial hybrid production of Class 6/7 work trucks and tractors, and is helping the refuse, parcel, bus and Class 8 markets reach production.

HTUF performs its work using several tools, most importantly through its seven active Working Groups. HTUF also operates through major industry gatherings and events such as its National Conferences, normally held in the fall. The eight national conferences to date have helped shared technology information and built important national momentum in the process.  National conferences have been held most recently in South Bend, Indiana in October 2008 (hosted by Bosch Rexroth). Previous meetings were held in Seattle, WA in 2007 (hosted by Paccar and Eaton), San Diego, CA in 2006 (hosted by ISE Corp., Siemens and Maxwell), Toledo, OH in 2005 (hosted by Dana), Kalamazoo, MI in 2004 (hosted by Navistar and Eaton), San Antonio, TX in 2003 (hosted by Southwest Research and Stewart & Stevenson), Chattanooga, TN in Fall 2002 (hosted by AVS), and Indianapolis, IN in Winter 2002 (hosted by Allison Transmission).

What Are HTUF Forums?

HTUF functions on several levels. The broadest level is that of the Forums themselves (our national and other meetings). HTUF Forums are national gatherings of commercial and military truck users and operators, together with hybrid system developers and suppliers, truck manufacturers and research organizations. They serve as major opportunities to spur action.

At Forums, HTUF participants learn the latest developments in heavy-duty hybrid technology and markets, actually see and drive heavy-duty hybrid vehicles, compare notes with users from other industry segments, and receive progress reports on the industry's commercialization efforts.Visit the CALSTART Events page for information about upcoming HTUF events, or call 626/744-5600 for details about you can get involved.

HTUF Market Development Model
2008, Bill Van Amburg - A conference paper describing the HTUF model to speed commercialization, documenting how the HTUF partnership between commercial and military users has sped hybrid development and production.

Advanced Vehicle and Power Initiative (AVPI): Draft White Paper Proposes Aggressive Adoption of Advanced Vehicles and Renewable Energy on Army Bases 

HTUF Policy Briefing
2009, Bill Van Amburg - Briefing on status, benefits and needs to grow the hybrid and high efficiency truck and bus industry.

CALSTART Science Committee Testimony
2008, Bill Van Amburg, Richard Parish - Testimony to Congress on the status, benefits and needs of the hybrid and high-efficiency medium- and heavy-duty vehicle industry.