|
|
Industry NewsCat, BAE Systems In Hybrid DealJanuary 24, 2012 BAE Systems and Caterpillar Inc. have signed a long-term supply agreement to collaborate on an energy efficient parallel hybrid propulsion system for heavy-duty trucks. Under the 20-year agreement, BAE Systems will integrate the Cat CX family of transmissions into its HybriDrive parallel propulsion system and will establish an aftermarket field services model leveraging Caterpillar’s global service network to support the installed base. The parallel system – the latest member of BAE Systems’ HybriDrive family – complements the company’s HybriDrive series system, which BAE said is currently deployed in more than 3800 transit buses around the world. It is designed for heavy-duty truck applications including refuse collection, construction, pick-up and delivery and utility vehicles. The HybriDrive parallel system will integrate with heavy-duty diesel engines and is suitable for vehicles from 19,500 to 80,000 lb. total gross vehicle weight. BAE said the long-term supply agreement helps ensure a consistent supply of transmissions from Caterpillar; long-term production pricing; a warranty agreement; and a field service support model designed to make use of Caterpillar’s global dealer chain. “Building upon our initial relationship to develop the parallel hybrid electric system, this supply agreement cements Caterpillar as a key supplier and partner on a system that will lower fuel and ownership costs and emissions for fleet owners,” said Steve Trichka, general manager of HybriDrive Solutions for BAE Systems. Jeff Pohl, Caterpillar’s Hauling & OEM Drivetrains product manager, added that “through this alliance, our transmission will become an integral part of BAE Systems’ new HybriDrive parallel system. Our driveline expertise, including planetary automatic transmission expertise, combined with BAE Systems’ proven hybrid technology, will result in a seamlessly integrated product that meets performance and efficiency demands of vehicles that operate in diverse duty cycles.” The system is in final stages of development and is expected to be deployed globally early in 2013. BAE said field tests in the spring of 2011 demonstrated that trucks with the HybriDrive parallel system experienced an average fuel economy improvement of 30% when compared to conventional trucks. It added that depending on duty cycles and fuel usage, a truck fleet owner using the HybriDrive parallel system can expect payback within three to five years.
|
|
