Oshkosh Demonstrates ProPulse, the First Electric Hybrid-Drive Heavy Defense Truck
OSHKOSH, Wis.--Feb. 27, 2002--Oshkosh ProPulse System Cuts Fuel Consumption, Reduces Emissions
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NASDAQ: OTRKB], a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies, demonstrated the first heavy-payload defense truck with an electric hybrid drive today at the Association of the United States Army Winter Symposium. The HEMTT-LHS tactical defense truck features Oshkosh's unique ProPulse(TM) electric hybrid-drive propulsion system. Although initially designed for military trucks, the company expects the system will also be used in commercial vehicle applications.
The ProPulse system consists of a diesel engine, running at a constant speed, which turns a generator that powers electric motors at each differential. The generator is powerful enough that, when not driving the vehicle, it can produce enough AC electrical output to power an airfield, hospital, command center, or up to 300 homes.
"Although this ground-breaking technology will initially be deployed on military vehicles, it is so versatile that we easily see the potential for it to power vehicles for homeland defense, disaster relief, and many other commercial applications," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh's chairman, president and chief executive officer.
"Oshkosh Truck leads the industry with our ProPulse alternative drive technology. Our company has developed a unique, hybrid solution that we believe will transform the future of heavy-duty truck propulsion. Because of our integrated capabilities, we can engineer and manufacture the entire vehicle from the frame rails up," Bohn said.
Major Performance Advantages With The ProPulse Drive
The major performance advantages of the ProPulse System are:
| - | Up to 40 percent increased fuel economy because the system's diesel engine runs at a constant 1,500 to 1,800 rpm - significantly more efficient than the 2,200 rpm that is typically needed for highway speeds and full payloads. In military operations reduced fuel consumption reduces the number of support vehicles needed to transport fuel and significantly increases cruising range. |
| - | Reduced emissions meet new Environmental Protection Agency standards. |
| - | The on-board generator produces enough AC electricity to power an airfield, hospital, command center, weapon systems, communications systems, scene lighting or an entire city block. |
| - | Reduced life cycle costs. There are no batteries to maintain, dispose of, or replace. Less fuel is needed. Engine wear is reduced because the engine continually operates in the optimum rpm range. The electric drive lowers torque throughout the drive train, reducing wear and tear on the truck. And, the modular design requires fewer spare parts. |
| - | Increased readiness. The system controller generates real-time diagnostic data necessary for adjustments or to plan preventive maintenance. It also provides a history of maintenance information. |
Simplified Drive Train Delivers More Power
The ProPulse electric hybrid drive is a modular system that simplifies the distribution of power to the wheels. The diesel engine drives a 400-kilowatt generator that delivers power to electric motors dedicated to each differential. This direct transfer of power eliminates the need for the torque converter, transmission, transfer case and drive shafts. Fewer moving parts make the whole system more efficient, more dependable and easier to repair.
Devices called ultracapacitors store energy in the ProPulse drive system to deliver extra power for acceleration, deceleration and other functions. Compared to conventional batteries, ultracapacitors last up to 10 times longer, operate in wider temperature ranges and function more efficiently. They are capable of receiving high levels of regenerated energy for highly responsive braking as well. Overall, electric storage combines responsive power and fuel efficiency.
Vehicles equipped with the ProPulse drive can serve double duty as on-site AC power sources. The system generator is powerful. It can produce up to a maximum of 400 kilowatts of electricity - enough to power 250 to 300 typical American homes. In military applications, this built-in generator would reduce the need for cumbersome generators to power weapons systems, communications, radar and other equipment. For fire departments, it could mean the elimination of costly auxiliary generators for scene lights and extrication equipment.
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NASDAQ: OTRKB] is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Products are marketed under the Oshkosh, Pierce, McNeilus, Geesink, Norba and Medtec brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $1.45 billion in fiscal 2001.
For more information about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, log onto the company web site at www.oshkoshtruck.com.
