Capstone Turbine Corp., a clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announced that it is working with Kenworth and Peterbilt to demonstrate Class 7 and 8 microturbine range extended series hybrid trucks. During the recent Hybrid Truck User’s Forum in Baltimore, it was announced that both Kenworth and Peterbilt are working with Capstone to demonstrate Class 7 and 8 microturbine range extended series hybrid trucks using Capstone’s California Air Resources Board-certified C65 microturbines.
Both vehicles are concept trucks intended to quantify the performance, efficiency and economic benefits of a microturbine-based series hybrid solution. The Kenworth truck is operational and currently is running on the company’s test track in Washington state, and the Peterbilt truck is being assembled.
“We’re excited to partner with two U.S.-based heavy-duty truck companies in Kenworth Truck Company and Peterbilt Motors Company on exploring ways to integrate fuel-efficient microturbine technology into medium- and heavy-duty trucks,” says Darren Jamison, president and chief executive officer of Capstone. “We are committed to provide cost-effective business solutions for operators in the trucking industry while also helping to reduce emissions. These programs are an important first in a several-step process to potentially developing a commercially available microturbine-based hybrid product in the next several years.”
