Word reaches me that Daimler Trucks North America is to participate in the US Department of Energy's program to promote alternative drivetrain system technologies by putting more than 600 Freightliner trucks equipped with either hybrid or natural gas drivelines on the road with leading American fleet operators. Meanwhile if you want to know why the US is so far ahead of the UK with regard to developing green transport just consider this. Last week, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it would be supporting the Daimler trucks programm to the tune of $32.9 million (approx. €23 million) worth of grant in funding "...to be applied toward the purchase and support of 638 hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles by several leading national fleet operators." Kind of makes what we're doing over here look rather sick don't you think? Now click through here for more...
The latest 'green' truck funding program is all part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that went into effect in February. And it's designed to encourage fleet operators to adopt clean, fuel-efficient diesel and alternative energy technologies that will create new jobs, stimulate the economy, and help reduce US dependence on foreign oil.
The DOE is providing almost $100 million through the Clean Cities program, approximately $84 million of which is earmarked for vehicle purchases, with around $14 million targeted toward alternative energy infrastructure expansion. The program thus represents one of the biggest projects ever to promote cleaner cities through the use of hybrid and alternative drive systems in heavy-duty trucks.
"This decision by the DOE is tremendously important to our company because it will enable us to safeguard our North American jobs and allow our employees to continue moving ahead full-steam with the development of alternative fuel technologies," says Martin Daum, boss of Daimler Trucks North America. "Our customers also benefit from our being able to offer them sustainable vehicles that are ready for future challenges. In addition, the choice honors Daimler's efforts to create new environmental technology jobs and improve air quality, thus ensuring healthier communities."
DTNA will use the DOE funds to manufacture and sell more than 600 vehicles equipped with alternative drive systems including Freightliner Business Class M2e 106 hybrid electric trucks and tractors, and Freightliner Business Class M2 112 natural-gas trucks in CNG (compressed natural gas) and LNG (liquid natural gas) variants. Also in the program are chassis manufactured by Freightliner Chassis Corporation (FCCC) for hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid and natural gas-powered walk-in vans.
It's like I always say, the best way to promote green trucks is with folding green... From the Government. Too bad that message hasn't so far managed to cross the Atlantic...
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