Odyne's New Advanced Hybrid Propulsion System Offer 50% Reduction in Fuel Consumption

Consumers Energy of Michigan, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, took delivery recently of a work truck featuring the new Odyne Systems, LLC advanced plug-in hybrid propulsion system. The new Odyne system, which is lighter, smaller, more powerful and designed to be more robust for demanding work truck applications than Odyne’s previous systems, interfaces with a wide variety of truck mounted equipment to save fuel, reduce emissions and provide quieter operation at the work site. The Odyne hybrid power system provides benefits over a wide range of driving and use duty cycles, saving fuel both while driving and at the job site. The Consumers Energy truck, built by DUECO Inc., was funded in part by a grant from the Department of Energy and features a Terex 5FC55 bucket attachment, a Remy HVH 250 motor proven in over 2 billion kilometers of highway driving, lithum-ion battery technology and other proven automotive components.

The Odyne system is the only hybrid system that will power the air conditioning and heat in the cab while the engine is off at the job site, assuring operator comfort. Operators will appreciate the quiet operation, which means greater safety at the job site when operators are communicating from the bucket to the ground. Operators will also appreciate launch assist, which provides for good power during acceleration, climbing and turning, something other hybrids fall short on. With regenerative braking, the system is recharged while braking during drive cycles, further extending the active workday for the vehicle.

Joe Dalum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Odyne Systems summed up the advantages of the new system saying, "The Odyne Hybrid Power system delivers improved performance and is the new benchmark for medium and heavy duty work trucks. Odyne’s unique system helps reduce operating costs through higher efficiency and, depending on duty cycle, enables large trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50% compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines. We were very pleased to bring this new technology to Consumers Energy.” Mike Johnson, Fleet Acquisition Manager at Consumers Energy notes, “We are excited to be taking delivery of this new advanced plug-in hybrid system from Odyne and DUECO, Inc. In particular, we are interested in the developments that have been brought to the market providing solutions for the utility which reduce vehicle emissions and petroleum fuel usage. The hybrid truck provides several advantages at the job site and on the roadway. We look forward to putting these trucks to work in our communities.”