Jul 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Peterbilt Motors Company is beginning full production of Model 330 and Model 335 medium-duty hybrid vehicles. The models can provide a 30% improvement in fuel economy in an urban driving cycle.

The Model 330 can be configured for non-CDL operation with hydraulic brakes.

The vehicles use a parallel hybrid system with an electric motor that assists the diesel engine with supplemental torque for improved fuel economy. The system stores energy during stopping through a process called regenerative braking, and then reuses it to launch and accelerate the vehicle.

Peterbilt's ComfortClass system, a battery-powered climate control system, is available on 63-inch sleeper configurations. It has been offered on Class 8 vehicles equipped with a 70-inch Unibilt sleeper.

A combination of batteries and a thermal storage cooler, the ComfortClass provides a temperature-controlled environment and 110-volt electrical power without the need for the engine to run for up to 10 hours.

If shore power is available, the system can be plugged in to provide power for all the system functions, as well as hotel loads and battery charging needs.

“The system can reduce annual fuel consumption by approximately 8%, resulting in a reduction of operating expenses by as much as $5,000 a year, per vehicle,” said Peterbilt chief engineer Landon Sproull.

Peterbilt has partnered with Westport Innovations to develop a natural gas version of the Model 386. The truck will have a Cummins ISX engine rated at 400 to 450 horsepower, and up to 1,750 pound-feet of torque.

Provisions for mounting the system's LNG tanks, fuel pumps, and associated electronics, will all be included.