LOUISVILLE, KY – Odyne Corporation, a developer of hybrid electric vehicle technology, and Dueco, Inc., one of the largest utility equipment manufacturers in the country, have introduced the first plug-in hybrid aerial lift truck. The new plug-in hybrid electric diesel vehicle was introduced and displayed at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition on Oct. 16-18 in Louisville, Ky.

Odyne and Dueco have developed a PHEV propulsion system for the vehicle that minimizes fuel use and emissions in a typical aerial truck mission and can recharge at off hours using low cost electricity from the nation’s electric grid. The system can also be recharged at any point with the conventional diesel engine. 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.

Odyne’s state-of-the-art battery management systems, in conjunction with its control technology, will also power the material handling aerial device (TLM50M), manufactured by Terex, for up to eight hours of aerial lift operation time — a full workday.

The Dueco International (2008 4300 SBA 4x2) is equipped with a 255HP; 660lb torque IHC MaxxxForceDT, and an Automatic Allison 3500_RDS_P transmission.

In addition to the estimated eight-hour lift operation time on battery, the propulsion system requires an eight-hour charge time. The o board charger power is 5kW, and the battery energy reserve is 35kWh. The motor size is 50kW, regen, and traction assist.