FT.SMITH, AR - Online Peterbilt channel www.thepetestore.com recently announced the delivery of the industry’s first Class 8 hybrid truck to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., as reported by the Web site, www.industryweek.com. The Peterbilt Model 386 Hybrid is the first of its kind and will be an addition to Wal-Mart’s fleet of over 230 Peterbilts.

The 386 Hybrid truck is part of a comprehensive commitment by Wal-Mart called “Sustainability 360” which promotes innovations to increase environmental conscientiousness throughout their organization, including vendors and customers. Wal-Mart has demonstrated a commitment to becoming a leader in the transportation industry by setting a goal of improving overall fleet efficiency by 25 percent.

The Hybrid technology utilized on this truck is designed by Eaton Corporation. The system (called Eaton Hybrid Power System) retains energy generated by the engine, which would normally be lost during braking, and stores it in batteries for later use. That electricity is then sent through the motor/generator and blended with engine torque to improve vehicle performance, operate the engine in a more fuel-efficient range for a given speed and/or operate only with electric power in certain situations. This innovative process has been shown to increase driving efficiency by 5-7 percent. The system’s batteries even power the heating, air conditioning, and electrical system when the engine is turned off.

The improved miles per gallon, combined with the reduction of idle time, could result in approximately $9,000 in annual fuel savings based on an average cost of $2.50 per gallon.

The Peterbilt Model 386 is viewed as a premier aerodynamic tractor in the industry due to its exceptional efficiency, while maintaining superior resale value and low operating costs. It is an ideal truck for such an application. Peterbilt and Wal-Mart continue to work together to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the Model 386 hybrid truck.