EPA Backs Hybrid Technology Program for Ports
The Environmental Protection Agency announced a new project Wednesday to develop and test a new technology on large equipment used to move goods from ships to trucks.
EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson announced the plan for the agency-patented technology to be used in diesel-powered yard hostlers that contribute to air pollution at ports throughout the world.
EPA has already provided $205,000 to fund the initiative and said it will provide more financial and technical support next year.
The hydraulic hybrid technology is being tested several UPS Inc. vehicles, is being readied for use in yard hostlers, the most common work vehicle used at loading docks.
“EPA and our partners are working together to ensure that America’s ports become harbors of clean air,” Johnson said in a statement.
“Together, we are moving breakthroughs in hybrid technology from the labs to the docks – improving air quality while saving fuel. This technology is good for our environment, good for our economy, and good for our nation’s energy security,” he said.
The hybrid technology is expected to improve the fuel efficiency of the yard tractor by 50% to 60%, reduce or eliminate emissions during idling, and decrease brake wear, EPA said. The same hydraulic hybrid technology that has shown dramatic energy efficiency improvements in delivery trucks can be applied to other equipment used to move goods around.
UPS’ hydraulic hybrid truck shows potential savings of 1,000 gallons of fuel per year where most delivery trucks are driven.
Project partners include the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, A.P.M. Terminals, Kalmar Industries, Parker Hannifin Corp. and the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with which EPA will share project information.
