Odyne Systems, LLC, a manufacturer of hybrid systems for large trucks, has been selected to participate in a $45.4 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) award to develop and deploy plug-in hybrid systems for trucks throughout North America. Through the program, Odyne will leverage proprietary technology applicable to a wide variety of truck chassis and applications to bring the benefits of reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, increased power and quiet work site operation, according to the company.

The contract granted to Odyne by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), directs funding from DOE’s Transportation Electrification initiative, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) of California and other parties in a cost share arrangement with users toward the development and supply of advanced plug-in hybrid and Smart Grid/Smart Charging technology for trucks over 14,000 pounds. It is anticipated that over 120 Odyne advanced plug-in hybrid systems will be installed on vehicles for partners in the program, including investor owned utilities and municipal electric companies, according to the company.

Odyne’s plug-in hybrid technology combines electric power conversion, power control, and energy management technology interfacing with industry leading Allison Transmission commercial vehicle transmissions. The Odyne hybrid power system also features a Remy HVH250 series electric motor, delivering industry leading power density and efficiency, Johnson Controls modular lithium-ion battery systems, and other robust, proven automotive quality components. Odyne systems are at work on a wide variety of truck chassis in various applications and are sold through a worldwide distribution network including Altec, DUECO, and Terex Utilities. According to the company, the system reduces fleet operating and maintenance costs, and, depending on duty cycle, enables large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50% or more compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines.

Odyne completed a $2.9 million cost share project with the DOE to develop an advanced plug-in hybrid system for large trucks, has delivered hybrid systems through the DOE Clean Cities program and is currently working with the SCAQMD and the California Energy Commission on separate cost share projects to deploy the company’s proprietary hybrid systems in the Los Angeles County area and other regions of California.