Cox Enterprises Reduces Fuel Usage and Carbon Emissions With New Fuel-Sipping Hybrid Trucks

ATLANTA, July 31 -- Continuing its transition to a more environmentally-friendly fleet, Cox Enterprises announced the addition of nine International Durastar Hybrid Bucket Trucks. The hybrid trucks from Navistar provide dramatic potential fuel savings of nearly 60 percent in utility-type applications when the engine is shut off and electric power still operates the vehicle. Diesel emissions are completely eliminated when the hybrid truck operates equipment such as overhead utility booms solely on the truck's battery power, instead of requiring the engine to run.

With the 13th largest fleet in the country, Cox is transitioning its fleet to lessen its impact on the environment by using flex-fuel vehicles and replacing existing vehicles with more fuel-efficient and/or hybrid models. Cox's fleet is comprised of more than 15,000 vehicles - of which 257 are hybrids and 1,400 are capable of running on bio-diesel.

"At Cox, we're exploring all options to lessen our reliance on traditional petroleum resources," said Mike Mannheimer, vice president and chief procurement officer, Cox Enterprises. "Through our Cox Conserves program, we are actively reducing our company's carbon footprint, and these trucks are part of the larger solution. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also reduce our overall fuel costs."

The hybrid trucks will be used by Cox Enterprises' multi-service broadband communications and entertainment subsidiary, Cox Communications. A "boom" or "bucket arm" extends on the trucks so wires on utility poles can be repaired or maintained. The hybrid trucks will be used in the following Cox Communications locations:

  Hampton Roads, Va. (2)
  New Orleans
  Oklahoma City
  Orange County, Calif.
  Phoenix
  Rhode Island
  San Diego
  Springfield, Va.

"Cox is taking a leadership role in the telecommunications industry when it comes to operating clean, green vehicles," said Jim Williams, director of new product sales & distribution, Navistar. "They'll save money on fuel, run quieter trucks and significantly reduce emissions in their communities."

Hybrid Trucks

The Hybrid Truck Users Forum (of which Cox is a member) estimates that 1,000-1,500 gallons of fuel can be saved per utility-type truck annually. At today's high diesel prices, that equates to a savings of $4,000-$6,000 in fuel per truck annually. It also results in annual greenhouse gas reductions of 11 to 16.5 tons of Greenhouse Gases per unit.

International hybrid trucks employ a parallel-type, diesel-electric hybrid architecture that is supplied by Eaton Corporation. It incorporates an electric motor/generator between the output of an automated clutch and input of the automated transmission. The system recovers energy normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. The hybrid-electric system recovers energy during braking, and can add power back into the driveline during start and acceleration.

This capability makes the truck more efficient in standard driving, particularly in city and stop-and-go driving. When the truck reaches a work site, the hybrid system can power the hydraulic pump that operates the aerial device and electric tools for up to two hours without the engine running. It is this ability to shut the engine down at work sites that helps the truck cut fuel use so significantly. The engine-off option during worksite operations further reduces noise, emissions and fuel costs.

Cox Conserves (www.coxconserves.com)

Cox Enterprises has already reduced its carbon footprint by 10% from 2000- 2007. Cox Conserves is the company's national sustainability program designed to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint by an additional 20% by 2017. In addition to making operational changes across the company, the program also encourages the company's 83,000 employees and their families to engage in eco- friendly practices.