Efficient Drivetrains Delivers First PHEV Renewable CNG Armored Truck

Efficient Drivetrains has delivered the first of six Plug-in-Hybrid Electric Armored vehicles that will operate on renewable natural gas to Sectran Security. The Class 6 International brand armored truck was the first delivery from the company’s newly expanded facility in Dixon, California.

The vehicle program is a collaboration between Efficient Drivetrains and North American Repower—a leading natural gas engine management and conversion technology company. Under a California Energy Commission grant, the companies care working to convert a fleet of six Class-6 International armored trucks into “Zero Emission with Range Extension” vehicles—PHEV trucks that operate with electricity and compressed RNG. The result is a full OEM-performance electric vehicle that utilizes RNG for range extension and reduces emissions by up to 99 percent in certain duty cycles. The collaboration between the companies is a model program to support the rapid acceleration towards a zero emissions environment.

Currently, Sectran Security trucks make frequent stops as part of their highly congested routes. At each stop, engines are kept idling for security purposes, but now risk violating California’s strict diesel idling regulations, which prohibit idling the engine for more than five minutes. With the modernized trucks, engine idling is eliminated entirely, by operating in all-electric mode during stop-and-go operations, and in hybrid mode using RNG during highway operations.

“The technology collaboration between Efficient Drivetrains and North American Repower represents tremendous potential as we work to improve air quality and meet industry mandates related to emissions reductions,” said Joerg Ferchau, CEO, Efficient Drivetrains. “World’s-first vehicle programs like these play an essential role in helping California meet its aggressive carbon reduction and zero emissions goals. We’re looking forward to completing the full fleet this year.”

When the full fleet of six is complete, the vehicles will enable Sectran to reduce annual diesel consumption by more than 31,000 gallons, significantly reduce annual fuel costs, and reduce emissions by up to 99.9 percent.