CALSTART, along with its Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) showcased the emergence of fuel-saving hybrid technology for the nation’s biggest vehicles and unveiled a new study from Duke University that finds hybrids provide the US with a strategic opportunity in competitiveness, green jobs and reduced pollution. “Even in the midst of the economic downturn, American truck and system makers are poised for a break-through in producing hybrid technology, leading to reduced fuel use and emissions and creating ‘green tech’ jobs,” says Bill Van Amburg, CALSTART senior vice president. “But to succeed, the industry needs support to help fleets purchase efficient trucks and a long term program to grow the technology.” Hybrid on the Hill Day featured 17 medium- and heavy-duty hybrids from five major truck makers and six driveline suppliers, showcasing the world’s most advanced trucks. During a morning briefing, industry experts – from environmental, military and commercial fleet backgrounds – outlined the status and benefits of hybrid technology, and provided highlights from a new study that identifies the early growth of an American technology edge. Congressmen Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) and Charlie Dent (R- PA) also spoke in support of the industry. Marcy Lowe, a research associate at Duke’s Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness, presented the results of a Duke study which underscores the value of hybrid technology to the country. “The United States is proving a global leader in this sector,” Lowe said, “and with the right policies in place, U.S. firms could expand market penetration, add jobs, and increase environmental benefits.” The report, Hybrid Drivetrains for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks, indicates that more than 30 states are home to truck and component manufacturing and development in the clean truck sector, and that the growth of the industry offers solid economic opportunities for the whole nation. The study was commissioned by the Environmental Defense Fund and CALSTART’s Hybrid Truck Users Forum Incentives Working Group.
