Goods and Services Transport need a Hybrid

So we have a hybrid commuter cars, buses, trains, toilets, and everything in between, but what about the commercial vehicles that move goods and deliver services across the country? 

Peterbilt annouced back in 2007 about their new line of hybrid commercial trucks. Walmart has decided to start introducing these trucks into their fleet. Which for those who enjoy a little bit of trivia, is the second largest privately owned truck fleet in the nation. What I don’t get is this: I’m glad that Peterbilt decided to start greening up, but do these trucks really offer any real environmental savings?

Unfortunately I think not. Even with Peterbilt’s claim of being able to offer Wal Mart a 25% gain in their effieciency, after further reading and researching I think 5-10% will be more realistic.

Now you could probably consider this a little biased as my new company which deals primarily with biodiesel production is looking at developing some technology for semi trucks currently in operation. For less than the cost of a new “Hybrid” truck you could revamp and outfit your existing fleet and see similar if not better gains. The technology is available now with off the shelf parts. This would make them easy to operate and easy to maintain.

I still give kudos to Peterbilt for developing their hybrid drivetrains and for Wal Mart to step up to the plate and give them a go and assist in development and design. But to me it seems for the amount of money being put into this project that the, what I believe to be, exagerated and hopeful claim of 25% is crap. Take another swing guys, the ball is pretty much sitting on the tee for us, but you are trying to reinvent the bat while it sits there.