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Hybrid Trucks Get Stuck in Neutral

Technology remains too expensive, leading to low demand, higher prices

By John Lister,  Newser User

Posted Nov 12, 2007 4:50 PM CST
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(Newser) – Hybrid truck sales are sputtering because the technology is too expensive, and companies ordering vehicle fleets won’t pay extra for environmental benefits alone. But without bulk orders, economies of scale aren’t kicking in. One truck company president says government tax breaks or subsidies are needed to boost hybrid sales, Reuters reports.

Hybrids convert braking into electric power, so urban delivery trucks save more fuel than long-distance haulers. FedEx, which says its 95-truck hybrid fleet is the world’s largest, says hybrid trucks would be affordable if they sold for 25% more than regular models—just as hybrid cars do. "Manufacturers will be able to sell as many as they can make," said an exec.

FedEx Ground trucks are lined up outside their facility in Wilmington, Mass. Wednesday, June 20, 2007. FedEx Corp. said Wednesday its fiscal fourth-quarter profit rose 7 percent on increased revenue and package volumes. The shipper also forecast fiscal 2008 earnings growth below its long-term 10 percent to 15 percent target,...
FedEx Ground trucks are lined up outside their facility in Wilmington, Mass. Wednesday, June 20, 2007. FedEx Corp. said Wednesday its fiscal fourth-quarter profit rose 7 percent on increased revenue and...   (Associated Press)
International Truck and Engine Corporation is the first truck manufacturer to enter production of commercial diesel hybrid electric trucks that can improve fuel efficiency by up to 40 percent and significantly reduce emissions. (Photo
International Truck and Engine Corporation is the first truck manufacturer to enter production of commercial diesel hybrid electric trucks that can improve fuel efficiency by up to 40 percent and significantly...   (Associated Press)
Unsold 2007 Prius hybrid sedans sit on the lot of a Toyota dealership in Boulder, Colo., on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007. Hybrid vehicles are on track to achieve record U.S. sales this year despite signs consumer interest in hybrids is waning, an auto information company said Thursday.(AP Photo/David...
Unsold 2007 Prius hybrid sedans sit on the lot of a Toyota dealership in Boulder, Colo., on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007. Hybrid vehicles are on track to achieve record U.S. sales this year despite signs consumer...   (Associated Press)
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How hybrid vehicles work
About.com

Hybrids not necessarily best for society
Science Daily

Debate on hybrids at European auto show
RoadTransport.com

 
environment • auto industry • trucks • hybrid car • FedEx • Renault

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