FedEx Fields Diesel Hybrids

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), has placed the first of its new hybrid electric delivery vehicles in service in Sacramento Calif. Two FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid vehicles have been tested in Sacramento since late February as part of a collaborative project with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, Environmental Defense, and Eaton Corporation (NYSE: ETN). The FedEx hybrid vehicle is expected to decrease particulate emissions by 90%, reduce smog-causing emissions by 75%, and reduce fuel costs by one-third.

Eaton's hybrid electric powertrain combines a diesel engine and electric motor to drive the vehicle. A computer determines the most efficient combination, depending on current operating conditions and driver demand. A four-cylinder engine replaces the six-cylinder variant currently used in the FedEx Express W700 delivery vehicle and a particulate trap has been added to the truck to further reduce emissions. FedEx Express will place 18 additional hybrid electric diesel delivery trucks into service in selected U.S. cities throughout the year. New York City, Houston, Denver, Washington, D.C., and several other cities are possible locations for future rollouts of the hybrid trucks.