Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has partnered with Autocar LLC., Heil and Republic Services Inc. to develop and validate a proof of concept Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueled RunWise refuse truck in Chula Vista, CA. The demonstration was conducted over one month on a collection route typically served by a traditional CNG truck.
“We are pleased with the initial results of the CNG-powered RunWise refuse trucks,” notes Shane Terblanche, General Manager, Hybrid Drive Systems Division. “Test data shows that the RunWise system is delivering up to 20% incremental fuel savings over traditional CNG trucks and a 10% improvement in productivity, and we can anticipate that reduced brake wear and routine maintenance requirements will also contribute to the value of these clean energy vehicles.”
The RunWise Advanced Series Hybrid Drive System improves upon the typical gains achieved by using natural gas as a fuel source, making these refuse trucks the cleanest environmental solution on the road today. As many municipalities and fleet operators look to convert to CNG, the RunWise system is attractive to those who are under pressure to meet reduced emissions mandates. With a million miles of operation and 99% uptime, Parker’s RunWise technology has proven effective in consistently providing significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions resulting in numerous repeat orders, and drivers who appreciate the responsiveness and reduced noise.
Parker will continue to develop this technology with its industry partners to commercialize a CNG option for its RunWise Advanced Series Hybrid Drive System. RunWise is unmatched in its ability to reduce emissions and allows for smooth transitions between stopping and accelerating that result in quieter garbage pick-ups for neighborhood residents.
