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MACK® Granite™ Demonstrates Latest Generation Hybrid Technology at 2009 HTUF
The U.S. Army, industry and fleets participated in a Hybrid Truck Users Forum in Atlanta, GA, to demonstrate hybrid and efficient truck production.
A diesel-electric hybrid tractor built by Mack Trucks, Inc. for transport use by the U.S. Air Force was on display, in addition to many other vehicles. The MACK® Granite™ model, stationed at Dover AFB in Delaware since June 2009, represents the latest generation of heavy-duty hybrid technology and meets the near-zero EPA2010 emissions regulations.
The Granite model diesel-electric hybrid powertrain features an integrated starter, alternator and electric motor. The system captures energy from braking in the form of electricity, stores it in a 630-volt lithium-ion battery pack, and uses it to power the electric motor, which assists the MACK MP7 diesel engine with propulsion of the truck.
Mack’s hybrid technology demonstrates as much as a 30 percent fuel economy improvement, depending on the truck’s application. Better fuel economy translates to lower emissions of greenhouse gases, a smaller carbon footprint and less dependence on imported oil.
The Dover AFB Granite tractor exemplifies Mack’s commitment to develop diesel hybrid technology for a range of heavy-duty applications, including refuse, construction and, now, road transport. This tractor, for example, is normally coupled with a trailer to transport cargo, both on- and off-base, including regional pickup and delivery.
“The stop-start traffic on the base with hilly roads and interstates off the base offer many opportunities to recover energy, making the Mack diesel hybrid system a good fit for use at Dover,” said Bruce Hollenbeck, vice president strategic product programs for Mack Trucks, Inc.
The tractor powertrain also provides electrification, allowing it to operate as a mobile power station. The battery is equipped with electrical outlets for computers, lighting or equipment with 110 volt, 220 volt and 3-phase current available.
“The ability to generate electricity is useful in routine settings, but very important for military or disaster response operations,” said Hollenbeck.
The Granite tractor is also equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emissions control system to comply with the very stringent EPA’10 emissions limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx). SCR also delivers improved fuel economy and lower operating costs. Another plus: the Dover tractor runs on a 20 percent blend of bio-fuel, originating from vegetable oil.
“Through our relationship with the Air Force, we are refining the match between the technology and the application,” said Hollenbeck. “As we put more hybrid trucks into service with our partners, Mack further develops the technology with practical adaptations to the hybrid system and design.”
“Early adopters and industry innovators today are creating the demand for hybrid technology across applications. Mack’s leading technology and application-specific development position us to be the top resource for customers as demand for heavy-duty hybrids grows,” Hollenbeck said.
The Granite participated in a convoy to HTUF Tuesday, October 27 and was available to drivers during the Ride and Drive portion of the conference.
Mack Granite Diesel-Electric Hybrid Specifications
Engine
Model: MACK MP7, EPA'10 Emissions Compliant
Power: 365 hp @ 1500-1900 Peak RPM
Type: 11-Liter Diesel
Energy Storage
Lithium-Ion batteries
Total nominal voltage: 630V
Transmission
Type: 12-speed MACK Automated Manual Transmission
CAPTION 1: A MACK® Granite™ diesel-electric hybrid tractor is designed for heavy-duty applications, meets EPA’10 emissions regulations and runs on biodiesel. It was built for the U.S. Air Force and is stationed at Dover AFB in Delaware. |
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