Hyliion 6X4HE test partners. Credit: HyliionA new electric system converts long-haul diesel trucking fleets into hybrid ones and promises up to 30% fuel and emissions savings. Called 6X4HE, the patented system from Pittsburgh-based Hyliion can be used on new or existing Class 8 trucks, according to the company.
Hyliion’s self-contained 6X4HE system attaches to a truck frame rail and combines three technologies for fuel savings: 15% from electric hybrid, 12% from an auxiliary power unit (APU), and 3% from aerodynamics, the company says.
The system’s battery pack stores 8 kilowatts of electrical power and, as the truck approaches an inclined grade, delivers electrical power to the provide torque to the rear axle, saving diesel fuel, the Commercial Carrier Journal reported.
“Regenerative braking captures power when slowing down. Then electric power is applied when necessary to keep diesel engines at their most efficient RPM, delivering hybrid fuel savings,” Hyliion explained in an announcement. “The APU leverages Hyliion's proprietary cooling system and battery to deliver 18,000 BTUs for 10 hours on a single charge.”
Transport companies Mesilla Valley Transportation, PAM Transport, and Ryder participated in testing and refining the 6X4HE system, which will go into production next month, Hyliion says in a press release. The Commercial Carrier Journal reported that Hyliion executives said they have $20 million in pre-orders.
This technology arrives at a time when corporations are rethinking fuel for their trucking fleets. In August, 7-Eleven Japan and Toyota announced a deal to work together on developing hydrogen fuel cell trucks. They planned a new trucking fleet for transporting goods from delivery centers to stores that would be powered by fuel cells.
