Peterbilt Motors Co. on Monday, May 5, displayed its Model 320 Hydraulic Launch Assist at the 2008 Waste Expo in Chicago. The vehicle, suited for vocational stop-and-go refuse applications, has the potential to dramatically improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and reduce maintenance service, the truck maker says.
The Hybrid Model 320 on display in the Peterbilt booth utilizes HLA technology developed by Eaton Corp. exclusively for Paccar by capturing the truck’s kinetic energy during braking to assist in launching and accelerating the vehicle. Testing has proven a significant improvement in fuel economy, and indicated the potential to reduce annual brake realignment services by 50 percent annually, according to Peterbilt.
Additionally, the City and County of Denver displayed its recently acquired Model 320 HLA at the show. They are showcasing the vehicle to highlight the initiative of pairing environmental responsibility with refuse collection.
“The Model 320 HLA is an ideal environmental option for refuse applications,” says Bill Jackson, general manager of Denton, Texas-based Peterbilt and Paccar vice president. “Dramatic improvements in fuel economy, reductions in emissions and lower maintenance costs spotlight the Peterbilt Model 320 Hydraulic Hybrid as the environmentally responsible, fuel-efficient solution for municipal and residential solid waste transportation fleets.”
Hydraulic Launch Assist technology works by recovering up to 75 percent of the energy normally lost as heat by the vehicle’s brakes in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid. This fluid is stored in an onboard accumulator until the driver next accelerates the vehicle.
