Ricardo, Inc. is involved in a project to further advance technologies utilized in a plug-in hybrid utility truck.

The project, created by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and working closely with Eaton Corporation, was unveiled on March 19 to President Barack Obama during his visit to the Electric Vehicle Technical Center of Southern California Edison. Ricardo's involvement in the first phase of the project included the controls system support to Eaton for the integration of a high energy battery pack into a Ford F-550 chassis, and the modification of the control system to allow electric power take off operation.

The battery system was designed to supplement engine power and also provide power to operate the utility truck boom. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain is expected to deliver up to 70 percent in fuel economy and emissions reduction.

The plug-in hybrid truck is the first of five "boom and bucket" trucks that will be provided by Eaton, EPRI and Ford to public and private utility fleets in the United States for use and evaluation. In addition to fuel and emissions savings while the truck is on the road, additional energy savings are available by utilizing the electric side of the system to power the ancillary systems and tools when the truck is stopped at a work site.

"We see this as a great opportunity to bring electric power into the commercial vehicle industry and utilize it both for improving fuel economy while driving, and for meeting power demands while stationary," says Karina Morley, Global Product Group Director for Controls and Electronics. "This project exemplifies Ricardo's ongoing commitment to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions."

Ricardo has successfully completed over 100 hybrid projects that span hybrid configurations from micro hybrid to full hybrid and plug-in hybrids, in the commercial, military and automotive domains.