Navistar Unveils New Hybrid Truck

Navistar International Corp. said Tuesday it is unveiling a new hybrid truck, the International DuraStar Hybrid tractor, which it is targeting to general freight haulers and food and beverage distributors.

The Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid tractor has the capability to provide fuel savings from 20% to 25% on standard in-city pickup and delivery applications, Navistar said.

The vehicle emits up to 33% less hydrocarbon emissions and 35% less nitrogen oxide emissions versus standard diesel trucks, Navistar said. The trucks use a parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture, supplied by Eaton Corp.

The system recovers energy during braking, and can add power back into the driveline during start and acceleration, Navistar said. This makes the truck more efficient in standard driving, particularly in city and stop-and-go driving, the company said.

Navistar made the announcement at the Hybrid Truck Users Forum in South Bend, Ind.