UPS to put hydraulic hybrids to the test

"A good investment"

UPS has put in an order for two hydraulic hybrid vehicles, with a few more on order for next year according to MSNBC.

Costing just $7,000 more than a conventional diesel delivery vehicle, these hydraulic hybrids will achieve a 45 - 50 percent improvement in fuel economy according to UPS. That means payback within three years, which makes me wonder why UPS is proceeding so slowly with these vehicles.

Yet, without government help and the involvement of other companies, UPS doesn't envision company-wide adoption. Perhaps this $7,000 differential is based on a pricing model that assumes much greater sales and, therefore, economies of scale.

EPA shows off hydraulic hybrid

60 to 70 percent more fuel efficient?

Yesterday, the EPA demonstrated its UPS hydraulic hybrid delivery vehicle.

"The unique UPS delivery vehicle features EPA-patented hydraulic hybrid technology. The vehicle uses hydraulic pumps and hydraulic storage tanks to store energy, similar to what is done with electric motors and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles. Fuel economy is increased in three ways: vehicle braking energy is recovered that normally is wasted; the engine is operated more efficiently; and the engine can be shut off when stopped or decelerating."

According to the EPA, if such hydraulic hybrids were built in high-volume, the extra costs of the hydraulic technology could be recovered in 3 years. However, over the lifetime of the vehicle, the hydraulic technology could save as much as $50,000.

So build 'em then. Or is this vehicle about as realistic as the EPA's Fuel Economy estimates?