Navistar announced the delivery of energy drink maker Red Bull’s first fleet of diesel hybrid-electric trucks that achieve 30 to 40 percent better fuel efficiency and emit up to 33 percent less hydrocarbon emissions and 35 percent less nitrogen oxide emissions versus standard diesel trucks.
The four International DuraStar Hybrid trucks were delivered to Red Bull’s Southern Nevada Distribution Center in Las Vegas and will be used in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Each truck is estimated to save nearly $4,000 in fuel costs per year. Over the course of a truck’s 7- to 10-year life cycle, the four DuraStar Hybrid units could save up to $160,000 in fuel costs, according to the Warrenville, Ill.-based truck maker.
International says a key to the DuraStar Hybrid’s efficiency is the Hybrid Drive Unit, which helps power the diesel engine and leads to less diesel fuel use and fewer emissions. Through the regenerative braking system, the battery in the Hybrid Drive Unit is recharged when the truck’s brakes are applied, according to the company; this energy-saving system makes delivery applications and in-city driving the most suitable conditions for hybrid vehicles.
