Odyne Systems, LLC, a producer of hybrid systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, has announced that six new trucks featuring Odyne plugin hybrid systems have been delivered to Consumers Energy, a Michigan utility, which provides natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million residents in Michigan.

The vehicles delivered include three Terex Commander digger derricks, two Terex material handling bucket trucks and the first under deck compressor vehicle with a Boss hydraulic lift and compressor.

The Odyne plug-in hybrid system powers the equipment on the trucks without use of the engine in most cases, saving fuel, reducing emissions and significantly reducing noise levels at the work site. Hybrid propulsion also increases vehicle efficiency during driving, according to the company. The on-board Boss lift can stow, load and unload heavy air tools which will be used in Consumers Energy’s gas operations. The compressor powers a pneumatic jackhammer used to break up cement and pavement and also tests gas lines for leaks. The exportable power runs an electric pipe fusing machine. All six trucks feature IHC chassis, and DUECO, Inc. was the final-stage manufacturer.

The Odyne hybrid power system features proprietary and patented hybrid technology combining reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology. The Odyne plug-in hybrid drive system reduces fleet operating and maintenance costs, and depending on duty cycle, enables large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50 percent compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines, according to the company.

The six trucks were manufactured as part of a $90-million program to produce about 300 plug-in hybrid trucks. The program was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and California
Energy Commission (CEC), with cost-share contributions from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the program participants. Odyne is developing and deploying about 120 plug-in hybrid systems for trucks for companies and governmental entities throughout North America as part of the award, according to the company. The trucks delivered with Odyne plug-in hybrid systems will feature advanced smart grid capabilities to charge the hybrid batteries at the most opportune time, reducing charging costs and excess demand on the utility grid.

Prior to the delivery, Consumers Energy had already been using a 5FC-55 bucket truck equipped with an Odyne system delivered in 2011.

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