Odyne Systems Delivers Plug-In Hybrid Propulsion Systems

Odyne Systems has delivered seven trucks featuring the Odyne advanced plug-in hybrid propulsion system to utilities and municipalities throughout Wisconsin, and also has delivered the first digger derrick featuring the system to Commonwealth Edison Company, one of the largest utilities in the United States.

Communities and utilities receiving the new technology were partially funded under the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program jointly administered through the Wisconsin State Energy Office and the U.S. Department of Energy Wisconsin Clean Cities Program. The new units are anticipated to deliver fuel efficiency over a conventional truck of up to 50% annually, depending upon the use of the truck.

"The implementation of this technology in the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program has resulted in efforts not only to reduce our nation's dependence on petroleum, but to additionally improve air quality and develop statewide economic opportunities," said Lorrie Lisek, Executive Director of Wisconsin Clean Cities Southeast Area, Inc.

The hybrid digger derrick was funded in part by a $4 million award ComEd received in federal economic stimulus funding to expand its alternative-fuel fleet.  ComEd received a $1.5 million grant from the City of Chicago that stems from $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding awarded to the city by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under its Clean Cities Grant program.

"Diesel vehicles and equipment are significant contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emission in Chicago. By adopting innovative vehicle technologies, such as ComEd's new hybrid truck, we can improve the health of our residents and save money on fuel costs," the City of Chicago's Chief Sustainability Officer Karen Weigert said.

Odyne's proprietary and patented hybrid technology combines reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology with Remy advanced electric propulsion motors, modular Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery systems and other robust, automotive quality components. 

The Odyne plug-in hybrid drive system reduces fleet operating and maintenance costs, and depending on duty cycle, enables large trucks to obtain significant fuel economy improvements compared to traditional diesel engines.  The Odyne advanced hybrid system also lowers emissions and provides a quiet, safe working environment with good work site communication, setting the new benchmark for the hybrid work truck industry. 

Milwaukee County took delivery of four work trucks in December 2011 and January 2012 that will be used throughout Milwaukee County to maintain traffic signals and street lighting.  Although the county automotive fleet includes hybrids, these are the first hybrid trucks they are putting to work.

Manufactured by DUECO, Inc. the vehicles feature the first Odyne hybrid systems installed on Kenworth truck chassis and are the first to power Venturo corner mount cranes, which will be used in sign maintenance and to lift lighting as the county switches to more efficient LED lighting.  The trucks feature fiberglass bodies and Terex TL60 aerial buckets, recognized for their stability.