Coca-Cola Buys Fleet of Hybrid Trucks

Coca-Cola will be purchasing a fleet of 120 new hybrid trucks powered by Eaton hybrid electric drivetrain. In testing the 20 trucks they purchased in 2007, Coca-Cola found that emissions were decreased by 32 percent and fuel consumption dropped 37 percent.

120 vehicles is more than just a green PR move by any company. Which makes me think Coca-Cola could be looking to save money by buying these trucks, both through government incentives and by fuel efficiency.

Eaton has developed and sold hybrid trucks to companies like UPS (see image) and Pepsi. Delivery trucks are said to be almost obvious choices for hybrid technology, with plenty of start-stop and frequent braking (recharging the battery pack).

Eaton employs parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture with Eaton's Fuller(R) UltraShift(R) automated transmission. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. When electric torque is blended with engine torque, the stored energy is used to improve fuel economy and vehicle performance for a given speed or used to operate the vehicle with electric power only. The system can also be designed to provide energy for use during engine-off worksite operations, further reducing noise, emissions and fuel costs.

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Feb 27, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- ETN | news | PowerRating | PR Charts -- Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) today announced that Coca-Cola Enterprises will purchase 120 new trucks in 2008 powered by Eaton's hybrid electric drivetrain systems.

The Coca-Cola order represents the largest North American commercial order to date for Eaton's hybrid systems and follows the beverage company's purchase of 20 trucks with Eaton hybrid power systems in 2007.

Extensive testing and evaluations conducted by Coca-Cola Enterprises found that Eaton's hybrid-electric drivetrain equipped trucks decreased emissions by roughly 32 percent and fuel consumption by up to 37 percent as compared to conventionally-powered trucks in Coca-Cola's current fleet. Coca-Cola also reported lower maintenance costs on the hybrid-powered trucks.

"We have been working with Coca-Cola Enterprises since 2003 to assess our systems," said Dimitri Kazarinoff, general manager for emerging technologies at Eaton's Truck Group. "Coca-Cola is demonstrating its commitment to reducing pollution and greenhouse gases, and Eaton is pleased to be a part of this effort. We are looking forward to working with them to deploy the systems into their transportation network."

Dave Leasure, corporate director of fleet procurement for Coca-Cola Enterprises, added, "In addition to the environmentally friendly advantages that hybrid vehicles deliver, we are also happy to report that driver acceptance has been highly favorable, especially in high start-and-stop applications. The hybrid drive units have been performing very well in communicating with the electronic engines, always giving us the necessary torque and horsepower when it is needed."

Eaton employs parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture with Eaton's Fuller(R) UltraShift(R) automated transmission. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. When electric torque is blended with engine torque, the stored energy is used to improve fuel economy and vehicle performance for a given speed or used to operate the vehicle with electric power only. The system can also be designed to provide energy for use during engine-off worksite operations, further reducing noise, emissions and fuel costs.

Eaton is a leading provider of diesel-electric hybrid and hydraulic hybrid power systems for truck, bus and other commercial applications on three continents. Eaton's hybrid systems are supported by a team of Roadranger service specialists, including hybrid power experts. The Roadranger call center (800-826-HELP) is also staffed with hybrid experts to provide additional support throughout the world.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2007 sales of $13.0 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 64,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 140 countries.