December 26, 2007
Odyne Corp. Receives Purchase Order for 25 Plug-In Hybrid Aerial Lift Truck Systems
HAUPPAUGE, NY – Odyne Corporation, a developer of plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle (PHEV) technologies, has received a purchase order for 25 plug-in PHEV systems from Dueco, Inc., a utility equipment manufacturer. The systems will be installed by Dueco, Inc. to power the first plug-in hybrid-electric aerial lift trucks — bucket trucks — used by utility companies to maintain electric, telephone, and cable lines.
Odyne and Dueco have developed a PHEV propulsion system that uses low cost, domestically produced energy from the nation’s electric grid to off-set fuel consumption and reduce emissions. The new aerial trucks can recharge at off-peak hours using low-cost electricity from the nation’s electric grid. The system can also maintain charge or be recharged at any point with the conventional diesel engine while driving or stationary.
The system will provide the fuel efficiency and emission enhancements, typical of a hybrid vehicle, while the truck is traveling to and from the work site. While at the work site, the Odyne Stored Energy System will power all of the necessary job-site related equipment directly, including the aerial lift device, air conditioning, and heating with the engine off.
Odyne and Dueco estimate that the vehicles will reduce fuel consumption by approximately six to 10 gallons per day, eliminate onsite engine emissions, as well as eliminate onsite noise.
“Since the introduction of the Dueco-Odyne hybrid vehicle, the response has been very positive,” said Odyne CEO Alan Tannenbaum. “Utility companies value the opportunity to utilize their own low-cost, off-peak grid power to charge the vehicles overnight, while creating a safer and healthier environment for their employees and the community.”
“We estimate that nationwide, there are more than 30,000 aerial lift trucks in operation,” explains Joe Dalum, VP of Dueco, Inc. “We believe this is an excellent application for our advanced PHEV technology and that the utility industry and municipalities are eager to upgrade their fleets in order to respond to higher fuel costs and transition to more environmentally friendly vehicles.”