Coca-Cola adds more hybrids

Coca-Cola Enterprises will soon be the largest hybrid truck fleet in America! They are adding 185 trucks to their existing fleet of 142. Testing and evaluations conducted by Coca-Cola Enterprises found that Eaton’s hybrid-electric drivetrain-equipped trucks decreased emissions by roughly 32% and fuel consumption by up to 37% as compared to conventionally-powered trucks in Coca-Cola’s current fleet. Coca-Cola also reported lower maintenance costs on the hybrid-powered trucks. The hybrid uses a motor/generator, working with the transmission and a 340 volt lithium ion battery, and the trucks can drive exclusively on electric power below 30 MPH, eliminating that smelly diesel exhaust during city driving. The trucks also saves fuel by not idling at stop lights.

EPA Dupty Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg presented Coke with a leadership award for the beverage company’s overall plan for energy conservation and climate change, which include installing water-saving systems at their plants, using more efficient lighting, and developing a recylcing program. Earlier this month, Coke announce the upcoming completion of lighting retrofits in its California facilities, which will save 5.6 million kilowatt-hours annually. The company’s recycling program has been recognized as a leading program in the beverage industry.