Testing times for hydraulic hybrid technology

APM Terminals joined efforts with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and several other industry partners to integrate advanced hybrid powertrain technology into a port‐service vehicle. The yard hostler will begin testing at APM Terminals Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, this summer.

The propulsion system is being presented at the conference by FEV Inc., a developer of vehicle technologies and a partner in the programme. This is the first known use of the technology in a vehicle specifically designed for use in freight transportation.

As the hydraulic hybrid propulsion system replaces a traditional vehicle transmission and driveshaft, there is no direct connection between the engine and the wheels. Acceleration of the vehicle is achieved through a regenerative braking system that captures the energy normally lost during vehicle braking and then reuses it for the needed acceleration. This innovative energy recovery braking system could reduce vehicle brake wear by up to 75%.