Lightning Hybrids introducing hydraulic hybrid system on walk-in box truck

Lightning Hybrids, developer and manufacturer of hydraulic hybrid systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, will introduce the application of its first emission-reducing brake regeneration technology on a walk-in box truck. The debut will take place during the South Shore Clean Cities annual meeting in Merrillville, Indiana, on 17 February.

Lightning Hybrids’ hydraulic hybrid system on the vehicle, featuring a Ford F59 chassis and Morgan Olson Route Star walk-in van body, enhances fuel efficiency while significantly reducing emissions.

To achieve reduced emissions and fuel economy gains, Lightning Hybrids applies a hydraulic system to the driveline of a vehicle to regenerate braking energy, which is stored and used for the next acceleration. The system, which does not have electric batteries, uses this otherwise wasted energy for acceleration, supplementing power from the internal combustion engine to reduce fuel costs for fleet owners and greatly cut emissions.

The company’s system decreases NOx emissions by up to 90% and enhances fuel efficiency by up to 30%. Additionally, the hybrid system significantly lengthens brake life and the increased low-end torque improves acceleration.

As fleet owners continue to seek cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles such as hybrids, incentive programs are playing a vital role in supporting this transition. Lightning Hybrids’ system installed on the Ford F59 is eligible for Drive Clean Chicago’s “Drive Clean Truck” voucher program, which provides incentives to help shift diesel fleets in the Chicago area to zero- and low-emission vehicles.

Through the voucher program, fleet owners that operate Class 2 to Class 8 trucks can apply for vouchers for $30,000 and up, or 80% of the incremental cost, to retrofit existing fleets. Additional states that offer grants and funding for Lightning Hybrids’ systems include Colorado, Maryland and Massachusetts, among others.

One business that recently integrated a Ford F59 into its fleet is AmeriPride Services Inc., a leading North American uniform and linen supply company. This is the first hydraulic hybrid in the organization’s fleet of approximately 1,900 vehicles. Lightning Hybrids partnered with Morgan Olson, an industry leader in customizing walk-in vans, to incorporate its hybrid system into the Ford F59 chassis.

In addition to the South Shore Clean Cities event, the company will showcase the Ford F59 hybrid at the upcoming National Truck Equipment Association’s annual Work Truck Show in Indianapolis from 4-6 March.