Peterbilt today, July 7, added its Model 335 medium-duty hybrid-electric tractor to its family of hybrid vehicles eligible for federal tax credit. Peterbilt says the credit of up to $9,000 from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s heavy manufacturing and transportation group can be applied to the Model 335 hybrid class 7 tractors based on its verified fuel savings gains of up to 40 percent.
In addition, Kenworth announced that the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service recently certified the tax credit eligibility of Kenworth T370 Class 7 hybrid tractors when equipped with a Paccar PX-6 engine and an Eaton diesel-electric hybrid power system. Kenworth says the credit applies to Kenworth hybrid tractors built this year.
Peterbilt says the Model 335 hybrid-electric tractor, suited for applications such as beverage and regional-haul deliveries that require a trailer, achieves fuel economy gains of 40 percent through Eaton’s hybrid-electric power system with an electric motor that assists the Paccar PX-6 engine with supplemental torque. The system stores energy during stopping through a process called regenerative braking, and then reuses it for acceleration. Fuel use, emissions and noise are greatly reduced.
“Peterbilt’s complete lineup of hybrid-electric vehicles is now certified to receive substantial credits from the federal government,” says Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and Paccar vice president. “Our medium-duty offerings, now including the Model 335 hybrid-electric tractor, are eligible for tax credits and provide substantial fuel savings while covering the full range of applications, including beverage, pickup-and-delivery, regional haul, utility and municipal applications.”
In addition to the Eaton Hybrid Electric Power System, the Model 335 hybrid-electric tractor features the proprietary in-dash 7-inch Paccar Hybrid System Monitor designed to provide real-time information to the driver regarding fuel economy, battery charge and power, and allow the driver to modify driving behavior to maximize fuel efficiency through use of the system. The display also provides full diagnostic capabilities for the hybrid system, including system operating status.
Peterbilt’s production hybrids also include the Model 330 hybrid-electric as a non-CDL option for short-haul pickup-and-delivery applications, and the Model 335 hybrid-electric for pickup-and-delivery, beverage and municipal and utility operations. Information on Peterbilt’s full range of production hybrid and aerodynamic vehicles eligible for federal tax credits are listed at www.peterbilt.com/eco/index.htm. Peterbilt says these incentives total more than $45,000 available across five of its hybrid models for 2010.
The Kenworth T370 hybrid tractor is available up to 55,000-lb. GCW for local-haul applications, including beverage, general freight and grocery distribution. “The availability of a $9,000 tax credit is excellent news for customers interested in purchasing Kenworth T370 Class 7 hybrid tractors,” says Gary Moore, assistant general manager of marketing and sales for Kenworth, based in Kirkland, Wash.
Earlier this year, Kenworth’s T370 and T270 hybrid trucks for pickup-and-delivery and utility applications received certification from the Treasury Department and IRS for tax credits. The T370 qualified for a $12,000 credit, the maximum for Class 7 hybrid trucks. The T270 qualified for a $6,000 credit, the maximum for Class 6 hybrid trucks.
The Kenworth hybrids feature a Paccar PX-6 engine, integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack and dedicated power management system. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through an in-dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.
