Hybrid truck technology is now making its way into the marketplace and alternative fuel drivetrains such as natural gas for heavy-duty vehicles have been available on-the-road for some time. Using alternative fuels in combination with hybrid drive propulsion systems in heavy duty vehicles can further displace petroleum but the technologies have not yet come together naturally in the market place. This project examines what might be barriers or technology gaps to merging the benefits of high-efficiency hybrid-truck technology with low carbon, alternative fuels that could multiply the benefits.

This study will collect information, data and perform analysis estimates of total fuel savings and potential barriers and technology gaps that stand in the way for likely combinations of alternative fuel engines and hybrid technologies for medium and heavy duty vehicles. The performance and emissions estimate needs to include a plausible price, space and weight arrangement for the combined technologies. Also, for the quickest market penetration, it is important to plan for a new model as well as retrofit capability. The intent is to plan for the broadest, earliest deployment of these models to result in the greatest early impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and impact on the economics. A look ahead to “zero-emission” retrofit capability of the technology at some point in the distance future would also be important. This is a strategy that is being contemplated by suppliers to the transit bus market place – a multi-option hybrid electric design that can accommodate diesel, natural gas or a hydrogen fuel cell.

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