A brand new fleet of plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) trucks are now set to be deployed at the Port of Shanghai following an agreement between the hybrid and electric drivetrain solutions company Efficient Drivetrains Inc (EDI) and Shaanxi Automotive.
The fleet in question is reported to consist of plug-in hybrid port trucks capable of operating with 99,000 pounds (44,907 kg) gross vehicle weight (GVW) with electrified vehicle accessories. In addition to a hybrid mode, the trucks also possess an all-electric mode.
As with many hybrids, one of the top advantages of these trucks is that idling won’t require the gas engine to run. That will save a lot of fuel and a lot of money, while preventing a lot of emissions.
Up to 200 of the plug-in hybrid electric port trucks are expected to delivered per the agreement over the course of 2016. These trucks will be replacing conventional trucks that use substantial quantities of fuel and are responsible for substantial carbon emissions.
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In 2014, EDI reported that it was working in partnership with Shaanxi Automotive to develop PHEV powertrains for its large fleet of city buses. The solution included EDI’s proprietary dual motor, dual clutch drivetrain, drivetrain and motor controllers, clutch controllers, and battery packs. EDI and Shaanxi Auto collaborated closely on PHEV bus project; Shaanxi built the sample bus and installed the powertrain provided by EDI, and EDI integrated and calibrated the control software into the vehicle.
Preliminary fuel consumption was 28 cubic meters of natural gas for every 100 km, compared to 50 cubic meters for every 100km for a conventional natural gas bus — a fuel reduction close to 44%.
The government of China is currently aggressively asserting mandates and regulations to improve air quality and reduce emissions, putting increasing pressure on city officials. Shanghai in particular is working toward the country’s emissions reduction goals, emulating best practices of the State of California to drive toward better air quality.
As the Port of Shanghai is such a significant net emitter (it is the busiest container port in the world currently, after all), reducing emissions there makes a good amount of sense. Conventional trucks at the port often run on 20–22 hour shifts — spewing emissions the whole time, and making for a more hazardous (as well as noisy) work environment.