Citation

Kilcarr S. Am. City Cty. 2005; 120(8): 52-55.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article examines what else , in addition to high oil prices, is fueling demand for hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are designed to reduce the fuel consumption of cars, trucks, and buses by mating a gasoline or diesel engine to an electric motor and battery pack. However, hybrids only save fuel in stop-and-go driving, when the electric motor powers the vehicle at a low speed and then helps with acceleration. The article discusses the experience of Miami based Florida Power & Light (FP&L) that is purchasing 20 hybrid utility boom trucks - diesel electric hybrid vehicles combining a six cylinder diesel engine. Fuel economy was the rationale when FP&L first considered purchasing hybrids, but the utility saw other advantages in reducing vehicle noise and emissions. Since most emission control solutions add cost, the hybrid option reduces cost by burning less fuel, and benefiting stockholders and customers alike. The wear and tear savings are one of the pleasant surprises from hybrid technology, along with noise reduction.