Hybrid electric systems have much higher energy storage capacity, and generally have low to moderate power capabilities. Hybrid electric systems can also provide engine off PTO capability for those needing worksite hydraulic operations and an auxiliary electric power source from the vehicle, making them valuable in vehicles whose workday takes them off the highway and to a jobsite, where the truck's power is used to operate other tools and equipment.

Hybrid electric vehicles also require an unprecedented level of integration and partnership between truck makers, engine manufacturers and suppliers of the drivetrain and major electrical components. Eaton's strategy includes early and significant collaboration with truck OEMs, engine manufacturers and key technology / component suppliers.

Eaton couples a vehicle’s diesel engine with an electric motor / generator and batteries to create Eaton’s patented hybrid electric system.

The hybrid electric system maintains conventional drivetrain architecture – such as Eaton’s Fuller® UltraShift® automated transmissions – while adding the ability to augment engine torque with electrical torque.

The system recovers power normally lost during braking and stores the energy in batteries. When electric torque is blended with engine torque, the stored energy is used to improve fuel economy and vehicle performance for a given speed or used to operate the vehicle with electric power only.

This integrated hybrid electric system delivers a number of benefits, including:

• Up to 60 percent reduction in fuel consumption*
• Up to 87 percent reduction in idle times*
• Reduced maintenance and lower life cycle costs
• Reduced emissions*
• Quieter operations and better acceleration

The system can also be designed to provide energy for use during engine-off worksite operations. As an additional benefit, should the hybrid electric system go off-line, conventional engine-powered operation continues.

*Based on third-party test results.