City tests out new hybrid trash truck

At a time when city managers across the country are grappling with record high fuel prices, the City and County of Denver is preparing to test one of the nation's first hybrid-hydraulic trash trucks expected to result in fuel savings, lower maintenance costs, and reduced emissions.

"With its potential to increase fuel efficiency and improve air quality, this hybrid trash truck epitomizes the Mile High City's commitment to environmental responsibility," said Denver Public Works Manager Bill Vidal.

Denver's 115 refuse trucks travel an average of 8,400 miles a year and get about 2.3 miles to the gallon. With fuel prices at all-time highs, Denver is welcoming the opportunity for cost savings within its heavy duty truck fleet.

"If this hybrid trash truck goes 15 to 30 percentpercent further on a gallon of fuel, the monetary savings with a fleet of these units could be dramatic," said Fleet Maintenance Director Ernie Ivy.

How the Hybrid-Hydraulic Technology Works

In contrast to hybrid-electric technology, Denver's "green machine" utilizes hybrid-hydraulic technology ideal for stop-and-go trash collection operations. The hybrid-hydraulic system recovers energy normally lost as heat by the vehicle's brakes and stores the energy in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid utilized when the driver accelerates. Hydraulics help slow the vehicle as well. Since the operator is engaging the hydraulic system during stop-and-go driving, less diesel fuel is consumed and emissions are reduced. Brake-life is also expected to double. Peterbilt Motors Company manufactured the refuse truck utilizing Eaton Corporation's Hydraulic Launch Assist (HLA) technology.
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