Hyliion, a Pittsburgh-based company focused on providing electrification technologies for Class 8 trucks, has announced the 6X4HE electric hybrid system for long-haul vehicles. Easily installed on new or retrofitted on existing trucks, the 6X4HE system uses hybrid electrification to deliver fuel savings, lower emissions, instant telematics and a better driver experience, according to the company. Mesilla Valley Transportation, PAM Transport and Ryder all participated in testing and refining the 6X4HE.
This is the second product announcement from Hyliion. The first, which occurred a year ago, was a trailer-based product. “After our trailer product announcement last year, fleets came to us and asked to have the technology put on trucks. We listened and focused our efforts to first deliver the 6X4HE system with an innovative APU,” states Thomas Healy, Hyliion CEO. “The technology we designed into the trailer product, plus a different approach to an APU, is now available for Class 8 trucks.”
According to Hyliion, the 6X4HE attaches to the truck frame and is a self-contained system, and fuel savings of up to 30% are a blend of three technologies: 15% from electric hybrid, 12% from APU, and 3% from aerodynamics.
“Innovation in fuel savings is nothing new to Mesilla Valley Trucking, but Hyliion’s system is the only thing we’ve seen that can make such a big impact,” says Royal Jones, CEO of Mesilla Valley Transportation.
Hyliion says regenerative braking captures power when slowing down, then electric power is applied when necessary to keep diesel engines at their most efficient RPM, delivering hybrid fuel savings. The APU leverages Hyliion’s proprietary cooling system and battery to deliver 18,000 BTUs for 10 hours on a single charge, according to the company. In addition, two outlets provide electricity in the cab. The 6X4HE is also Shore Power enabled.
“Electrification is the talk of the industry,” states Scott Perry, chief technology and procurement officer for Ryder Fleet Management Solutions. “Hyliion provides a creative solution for long-haul over-the-road trucking that we feel will be of interest to current diesel fleets who are looking for an advanced technology that they can pursue in the very near future. We’re excited to be working with their team on this revolutionary product, as this relationship expands upon Ryder’s ability to provide customers with the most innovative solutions to help them streamline operations, promote safety and reach their efficiency goals.”
Hyliion says it is focused on delivering cost savings for fleets, lower emissions for the environment and a better overall driving experience.
“We are excited to be a part of the testing process with Hyliion on a product that has the potential to be industry changing. The Hyliion team is great to work with,” comments Paul Pettit, vice president of maintenance at PAM Transport.
Hyliion is currently taking orders for the 6X4HE, with production starting in November.
Photo: Mesilla Valley Transportation, PAM Transport and Ryder were Hyliion 6X4HE test partners.