The HTUF Utility/Telecom Working Group is meeting at HTUF 2009 National Conference in Atlanta. The first goal of the meeting is for the group to finalize the review of the Key Performance Parameters for Class 5 trucks. The next goal is to agree on the form and target date of sharing this information out with the industry. We will then review another platform of interest that was identified as a high interest platform. The group is open to all users in the utility and telecom fleets.

Hybrid Utility/Telecom Truck Working Group – focusing on platforms for the utility, telecom industry and related uses, such as tree trimming, telecom and other Class 5-7 work trucks. The group is now preparing requirements for Class 5 applications and reviewing plug-in hybrid requirements.

This group is credited with providing the launch for commercial hybrid trucks in the Class 6/7 range now in early production from Navistar, Kenworth, Freightliner and Peterbilt. The current focus is on aerial lift trouble or “bucket” trucks in the medium heavy-duty weight range. This group has deployed and assessed 24 pre-production hybrid trucks as part of a successful national pilot project. This pilot effort led to a follow on deployment of roughly 100 trucks and then first production.