Freightliner Trucks announced Monday, Jan. 21, that its Business Class M2 106 Hybrid drop frame beverage truck is now available. Designed for fuel savings and reduced emissions, the Class 6 truck features the Eaton medium-duty hybrid-electric system and is built specifically to address the challenges of hauling loads in an urban setting.
Freightliner Trucks responded to the needs of the market by providing a fuel-efficient truck that benefited the environment, says Melissa Kellogg, director of product marketing for Portland, Ore.-based Freightliner Trucks. “Freightliner engineered a vehicle more conducive to sustainability,” Kellogg says. “Our customers want a better business tool that improves efficiency and environmental stewardship.”
Freightliner’s hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV), which features a diesel engine coupled with an electric motor/generator and batteries, is designed to work in line with the engine and transmission, enabling operation with electric or diesel power either separately or together. “The M2 106 can boast up to a 30 percent savings in fuel consumption and up to an 87 percent reduction in idling time,” says Mark Lloyd, market development manager for Eaton.
Acording to the truck maker, an added benefit of reducing idling time and subsequent lower emissions is that the M2 106 produces less noise, allowing for quieter loading and unloading in urban settings. Freightliner engineers also maximized the amount of space of the 12-bay beverage body by mounting most of the integrated hybrid components underneath and behind the cab. “We designed the M2 106 Hybrid to maximize capacity so that our beverage customers could haul larger quantities,” Kellogg says.
Suited for easy access to cargo and featuring simplified loading and unloading, the drop frame truck also is designed to provide additional maneuverability, visibility and safety; the aerodynamic aluminum cab offers a 55-degree wheel cut, sloped hood and a 2,500-square-inch windshield.
In addition to the beverage market, the M2 Hybrid is ideal for utility, pickup and delivery and power takeoff operations. The M2 106 Hybrid beverage truck is available for order. For more information, contact a Freightliner dealership, go to www.freightlinertrucks.com or call 800-385-4357.
