U.S. Department of Energy Awards Contract to Eaton for Truck Hybrid System Development

    CLEVELAND--June 20, 2003--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Eaton's Truck business a $3.1 million contract to develop hybrid propulsion systems for trucks and other heavy duty vehicles. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham announced the contract award to Eaton this month.
    "We are very excited about bringing this hybrid-electric technology to market," said James Sweetnam, senior vice president and group executive for Eaton's Truck Group. "This innovative Eaton technology will help enable truck makers and engine manufacturers to meet strict emission requirements, in addition to reducing fuel consumption."
    The DOE contract provides matching funds for a research and development program aimed at doubling the fuel efficiency of today's conventional truck engines, while at the same time increasing reliability and durability of components and meeting new, lowered federal emissions standards for 2007. The department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory will fund about $3.1 million of the $7.1 million three-year subcontract, with Eaton Corp. providing the balance of the funds.
    "Hybrid technology has already demonstrated it can dramatically increase the fuel economy of cars," Secretary Abraham said. "Our goal through this important project is to achieve the same economic and environmental benefits for heavy commercial vehicles. In the process we also make our nation more secure by reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil."
    Most heavy vehicles today have diesel engines. Hybrid propulsion systems generally consist of a smaller internal combustion engine augmented by an electric drive, a power storage system and regenerative braking or other energy recapture systems. Reliability demands are crucial, as heavy vehicles typically can be driven as much as one million miles over a ten-year period.
    Heavy vehicles include trucks of various types and uses, buses and numerous off-highway vehicles, including construction, farming and mining equipment. The project is part of the Department of Energy's Office of FreedomCar and Vehicle Technologies. Information on this and other heavy vehicle technology programs can be found at http://www.trucks.doe.gov and http://www.ctts.nrel.gov/heavyhybrids/.

    FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., announced on May 20 that Eaton was selected to produce the hybrid electric powertrain for FedEx Express. The company will purchase 20 hybrid electric diesel delivery trucks using Eaton's innovative electric technology. FedEx Express, Environmental Defense and Eaton are working together on the project to deliver cleaner, healthier air, reduce oil dependency and reduce climate change impacts. The program has the potential to replace the 30,000 FedEx Express medium-duty trucks over the next 10 years.
    Eaton's Truck operations, based in Galesburg, Mich., is a pioneer in hybrid systems for commercial vehicles. Eaton is a global diversified industrial manufacturer with 2002 sales of $7.2 billion and a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent systems for fuel economy and safety in trucks. Eaton has 51,000 employees and sells products in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.