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Jun 17, 2009 3:21 PM

Mack Trucks Inc gave federal legislators and policymakers a first-hand look June 11 at its parallel diesel-electric hybrid technology for heavy-duty trucks. The Mack hybrid technology provides up to a 30% fuel economy improvement in stop-and-go applications such as refuse collection.

The MACK TerraPro cabover displayed at the base of Capitol Hill is the first production-intent parallel diesel-electric hybrid truck model in the United States designed specifically for Class 8 heavy-duty applications and meeting the EPA 2010 emission regulations.

This model was part of a “Hybrid on the Hill Day” organized by the Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) of CALSTART. The event showcased the latest hybrid technology for trucks and sought to raise public awareness of how the US government can help speed the widespread use of hybrid trucks.

Until these economies of scale are established, most heavy-duty hybrids will be sold at a high premium compared with non-hybrids. Once a market is established and production volumes reach the point where the price difference becomes less, the savings from fuel and maintenance with Mack’s hybrid system should be enough to recoup a payback in a few years.