Lightning Hybrids to debut its hybrid system on step van
LOVELAND, Colo., Feb. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightning Hybrids, developer and manufacturer of hydraulic hybrid systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, will introduce the application of its first emission-reducing brake regeneration technology on a walk-in box truck. The debut will take place during the South Shore Clean Cities annual meeting in Merrillville, Indiana, on Feb. 17. Lightning Hybrids' system on the vehicle, featuring a Ford F59 chassis and Morgan Olson Route Star walk-in van body, enhances fuel efficiency while significantly reducing emissions.
To achieve reduced emissions and fuel economy gains, Lightning Hybrids applies a hydraulic system to the driveline of a vehicle to regenerate braking energy, which is stored and used for the next acceleration. The system, which does not have electric batteries, uses this otherwise wasted energy for acceleration, supplementing power from the internal combustion engine to reduce fuel costs for fleet owners and greatly cut emissions. The company's system decreases emission of nitrogen oxides, the key ingredient in harmful smog, by up to 90 percent and enhances fuel efficiency by up to 30 percent. Additionally, the hybrid system dramatically lengthens brake life and the increased low-end torque improves acceleration.
"Lightning Hybrids is providing the heavy-duty marketplace with the hybrid technology needed to transform fleets to more environmentally friendly operations, while reducing operating costs associated with fuel and maintenance," said Dave Brosky, vice president of sales, Lightning Hybrids. "We are excited to participate in the South Shore Clean Cities event and demonstrate the integral role hybrid systems will play in the quest to enhance work truck efficiency."
As fleet owners continue to seek cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles like hybrids, incentive programs are beginning to play a vital role in supporting this transition. Lightning Hybrids' system installed on the Ford F59 is eligible for Drive Clean Chicago's "Drive Clean Truck" voucher program, which provides incentives to help shift diesel fleets in the Chicago area to zero- and low-emission vehicles. Through the voucher program, fleet owners that operate Class 2 to Class 8 trucks can apply for vouchers for $30,000 and up, or 80 percent of the incremental cost, to retrofit existing fleets. Additional states that offer grants and funding for Lightning Hybrids' systems include Colorado, Maryland and Massachusetts, among others.
One business that recently integrated a Ford F59 into its fleet is AmeriPride Services Inc., a leading North American uniform and linen supply company, and this is the first hydraulic hybrid in the organization's fleet of approximately 1,900 vehicles. Lightning Hybrids partnered with Morgan Olson, an industry leader in customizing walk-in vans, to incorporate its hybrid system into the Ford F59 chassis and additional details about this partnership can be found here.
South Shore Clean Cities, a nonprofit organization sponsored through a U.S. Department of Energy program, is focused on advancing the use of alternative fuels and clean vehicle technologies to improve air quality, develop regional economic opportunities and reduce the use of imported oil. At this year's annual meeting, Lightning Hybrids will participate in the ride-and-drive with a Ford F59, owned by its event partner, Auto Park Fleet, a dealer that specializes in supplying delivery vehicles nationwide. The South Shore Clean Cities annual meeting is scheduled at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana, from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Registration details can be found on its website, southshorecleancities.org.
In addition to the South Shore Clean Cities event, the company will showcase the Ford F59 hybrid at the upcoming National Truck Equipment Association's annual Work Truck Show in Indianapolis from March 4-6. Lightning Hybrids will participate in the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive with the Ford F59, as well as host a press conference in booth 2411 on Thursday, March 5, 1:25-1:55 p.m. The Work Truck Show features the latest products for Class 1-8 vocational trucks and equipment, and offers intensive programs on hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels, truck upfitting, specification writing and fleet productivity.
About Lightning Hybrids
Lightning Hybrids designs and manufactures hybrid systems for medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles. The system provides fuel efficiency by regenerating braking energy, provides safer braking and more power for acceleration, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. The Lightning Hybrids system does not have any batteries, instead safely and efficiently storing energy mechanically in composite hydraulic accumulators, which are a fraction of the cost and weight of batteries. The system can be installed on new vehicles as well as retrofitted on vehicles already in service. It is sold through a network of dealers and upfitters.
Additional company information can be found online at www.lightninghybrids.com.
SOURCE Lightning Hybrids
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