kscarbel2 Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Wired / September 30, 2014FedEx runs such a massive operation—it uses more than 47,000 vehicles and nearly 700 aircraft to deliver about 4 million packages every day—that any systemic change it makes to cut down its carbon footprint can have major consequences. That’s why news that it’s using technology developed by a founder of Tesla Motors to make its trucks significantly more fuel efficient is exciting. FedEx is working with Wrightspeed, the Silicon Valley-based company founded and run by Ian Wright, who helped create Tesla in 2003. Wright is still all about electric mobility, but his new company doesn’t make cars. It makes electric powertrains to be retrofitted into existing vehicles. And it’s sold 25 of them to FedEx for a pilot program. The Wrightspeed conversion includes the installation of an electric motor to each drive wheel, and a battery pack. The truck—now an electric vehicle—can be plugged in to charge the 39 kilowatt-hour battery, which holds enough power for a 30 mile range. In addition to incorporating regenerative braking, Wrightspeed utilizes a diesel-powered Capstone* microturbine to generate electricity while on the road. The microturbine system, well suited for delivery trucks in stop-and-go traffic, doubles the energy efficiency of FedEx’s fleet. Because the microturbine is always running a consistent speed generating a constant amount of energy, it’s always operating at peak efficiency and inherently optimized for maximum reliability.A year ago, FedEx purchased two Wrightspeed units as a trial. They were delivered in December last year. FedEx “just loaded it up, assigned a driver, and sent it out,” Wright says. On Christmas Eve in San Jose, CA one truck delivered packages for 14 hours straight. “Their expectations were very low,” Wright says, but they started “using it like a regular trucks straightaway.” Clearly impressed by the new powertrains, FedEx has since placed an order for 25 more. http://wrightspeed.com/http://www.capstoneturbine.com/news/video/view.asp?video=wrightspeed* http://www.capstoneturbine.com/prodsol/solutions/hev.aspNote: With the next generation of batteries on the horizon that will offer reduced size and weight combined with greater capacity, the potential of the microturbine as demonstrated here and in the Wal-Mart/Peterbilt research truck is increasingly vivid.http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/34734-wal-mart-unveils-concept-tractor-trailer/?hl=wal-mart.http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/35200-walmart-debuts-futuristic-truck-at-mats/?hl=wal-mart#entry240227. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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