Powertrain: Heavy hybrids advance, but payback still an issue

摘要

Hybrid trucks are inching into the marketplace, but there are still plenty of questions about their viability. Despite these questions, the market is evolving as customers buy a few test vehicles and truck developers gear up for the future. Many trucks, especially those used in urban areas, have heavy start/stop duty cycles that could see strong benefits from hybrid power. However, presenters at the Green Truck Summit during the Work Truck Show questioned whether the fuel savings provide enough return on investment (ROI) to justify the additional cost of hybrid technologies.