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UPS to Test Hybrid Electric Vehicle

29 December 1998

UPS to Test Hybrid Electric Vehicle; Interest in HEV Technology Heightened by GM, Honda Announcements

    ATLANTA, Dec. 29 -- UPS plans to test a new generation of
electric vehicle technology.  Called the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), the
test vehicle combines two familiar technologies -- conventional engines and
electric motors.
    The same technology is the basis for a report in yesterday's Wall Street
Journal regarding General Motors' announcement that it will develop hybrid
diesel-electric transit buses, with testing to begin next year in New York.
Honda also announced plans recently to sell a hybrid-power passenger car in
the U.S., according to the report.
    Developed by Navistar International Corporation , Chicago,
Ill., and Lockheed Martin Controls Systems , Johnson City, NY, the
HEV engine turns a generator to provide electrical energy for 23 batteries and
the drive motor, which propels the vehicle.  A process called regenerative
braking uses the motor as a brake and recaptures the vehicle's energy that is
then stored in the batteries for future use.
    "HEV technology is of particular interest to UPS because of its potential
to reduce vehicle emissions, economize on fuel in stop-and-go situations and
reduce maintenance requirements to the drivetrain," said Mike Eskew, UPS
senior vice president of engineering.
    The HEV provides higher fuel economy and with its reduced emissions can
meet the EPA's certification as a Ultra-Low Vehicle Emissions (ULEV) vehicle
using current diesel technology.  Moreover, the HEV's sealed electric motor
and long-life batteries require no maintenance.
    Since the 1930's, UPS has been researching and testing alternative fuels
to reduce vehicle fuel emissions, the dependency on fossil fuels and operating
costs.  Currently, UPS has the largest private fleet of compressed natural gas
(CNG) vehicles in the United States, with more than 900 package delivery
vehicles that operate in 16 cities.
    The Navistar/Lockheed Martin concept vehicle design uses an
International(R) medium truck chassis with an International(R) T444E diesel
engine by Navistar.  The HybriDrive(TM) optimized control systems were
developed by Lockheed Martin.  UPS will test the vehicle over an 18-month
period in UPS test trials in three different climatic and environmental areas
-- Johnson City, NY, Atlanta, GA and Los Angeles, CA.  Beginning early in
1999, the tests will solicit driver feedback, measure emissions, and examine
fuel conservation, maintenance issues, speed, acceleration and grade
performances.
    "Navistar is a leader in creating innovative trucking technologies that
respond to the needs of our customers," said Jay Hacker, vice president of
medium truck business and product development.  "Lockheed Martin is a
technological leader in electric control systems.  We joined with UPS to
conduct the tests because UPS also is an industry leader known for its use of
innovative technologies."
    UPS continues its tradition of seeking environment-friendly technologies
that increase efficiency and decrease emissions.  UPS environmental
initiatives include the re-engineering of its air fleet to reduce aircraft
noise and improve fuel-efficiency; development of a powerful computer network
that efficiently dispatches its vehicles; and, creation of reusable express
envelopes.
    UPS is the world's largest express carrier and package delivery company,
offering an unmatched array of products and services.  With headquarters in
Atlanta, the company operates in more than 200 countries and territories and
has been named by Fortune magazine as the most admired company in the
transportation industry for 15 consecutive years, as well as the world's most
admired mail, package and freight delivery company.  UPS has received two
Computerworld Smithsonian Awards for technology leadership.