Powers Distributing switches 15 trucks to diesel-electric hybrids

In Michigan, Powers Distributing announced that it would convert 15 trucks in its fleet to DuraStar Hybrid Medium Duty Trucks – the first biofuels-hybrid trucks on the market.  International DuraStar Hybrid trucks employ a hybrid technology that includes a 60-horsepower electric motor and 460-volt batteries supplementing a 244-horsepower engine that runs on B20 biodiesel. With the new hybrids, Powers will slash its diesel use on 15 routes by more than 25 percent, or around 12,500 gallons per year. Powers also has 50 non-hybrid trucks running on biodiesel.

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