UPS Purchases 130 Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Oct 18, 2010 - Business Wire

UPS (NYSE: UPS) today announced the purchase of 130 next generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to add to its growing alternative-fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet.

The 130 hybrids all will be deployed next year, with 30 going to New York and New Jersey and 100 to California. UPS estimates these vehicles will save 66,085 gallons of fuel and 671 metric tonnes of CO2 annually, representing a 35 percent improvement in fuel economy. That's the equivalent of 128 passenger cars being taken off the road.

UPS already operates one of the largest private fleets of alternative-fuel vehicles in the transportation industry -- 2,022 in total. The company has invested more than $25 million to develop its AFV fleet, which besides hybrid electric includes such other fuels as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and all-electric. The fleet is deployed in eight countries besides the U.S. and since 2000, has traveled 185 million miles.

UPS was the first package delivery company to introduce a hybrid electric vehicle into daily operation with a research program in early 1998. Currently, there are 250 UPS HEV delivery vehicles operating in the United States.

"Hybrid electric technology has proven itself to be effective in the field," said Mike Britt, UPS's director of vehicle engineering. "We are eager to receive these new HEVs in 2011 and get them on the road. Continued investment in fuel-efficient technology is a part of UPS's overall environmental strategy."

The hybrid electric power system utilizes a conventional diesel engine combined with a battery pack, saving fuel and reducing pollution-causing emissions. The energy generated from braking is captured and returned to the battery as electricity. The combination of clean diesel power and electric power, supplemented by regenerative braking, allows dramatic improvements in fuel savings and emissions reductions.

The HEV fleet features two different size vehicles from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and a hybrid drive system from Eaton Corporation. The external truck bodies are identical to UPS's other signature brown trucks, although they feature additional labeling identifying them as hybrid electrics.

"Eaton is very proud of our 10-year relationship developing hybrid power systems with UPS," said Dimitri Kazarinoff, vice president and general manager, Eaton Hybrid Power Systems Division. "UPS is a global leader in the adoption of clean transportation technologies and their support and continued orders are helping to make both of our businesses sustainable."

UPS pursues a wide range of socially responsible and sustainable business practices designed to reduce its impact on the environment and improve communities around the world. Learn more about UPS's responsible business practices at www.ups.com/responsibility.