# UPS Takes a Green Leap with Hybrid Electric Trucks - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/ups-takes-a-green-leap-with-hybrid-electric-trucks/ - Published: 2012-02-11T03:02:47-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## UPS Goes Greener: Expanding Hybrid Electric Fleet to Major U.S. Cities Hey there, green living enthusiasts! I’ve got some exciting news that’s sure to deliver a jolt of eco-friendly energy to your day. UPS, the company known for its iconic brown trucks, is taking a big leap towards a greener future. They’ve just announced a major expansion of their alternative-fuel vehicle fleet, and I’m here to break it down for you. ### The Big Brown Goes Green UPS has deployed 200 next-generation hybrid electric delivery trucks across eight major U.S. cities. This isn’t just a small test run – we’re talking about a significant expansion that’s set to make a real impact. These new hybrids are hitting the streets in [Austin](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/09/green-industry-technology-improving-our-world/), [Houston](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/congressman-markey-says-yes-to-new-heavy-duty-trucks-emission-standards/), Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington D.C., Long Island, Minneapolis, and Louisville. ![UPS hybrid truck](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/ 08/IMG_4334-400x400.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1) #### By the Numbers Let’s talk about the impressive stats: 1. 200 new hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) added to the fleet 2. Joining approximately 20,000 existing low-emission and alternative-fuel vehicles 3. Expected to save about 176,000 gallons of fuel annually 4. Projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,786 metric tons per year #### The Tech Behind the Trucks These aren’t your average delivery vehicles. Here’s what makes them special: 1. Hybrid power system combining a conventional diesel engine with a battery pack 2. Regenerative braking technology that captures energy from braking and returns it to the battery 3. Lithium-ion batteries for faster recharging and longer life 4. Quieter operation compared to conventional trucks ### A History of Innovation UPS isn’t new to the green game. They’ve been pioneers in this field for over two decades: 1. 1998: Introduced the first HEV into daily operations 2. 2001: Deployed the industry’s first HEV for regular service in Huntsville, Alabama 3. 2004: Launched second-generation HEV in Kalamazoo, Michigan 4. Ongoing: Testing various alternative fuel technologies including compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, and even hydrogen fuel cells #### Why This Matters Bob Stoffel, UPS Senior VP, puts it best: “This technology, where properly used, can yield a 35 percent fuel savings, the equivalent of 100 conventional UPS delivery vehicles.” That’s not just good for UPS – it’s good for all of us and our planet. ### The Green Living Guy’s Take As someone who’s passionate about sustainable living, I’m thrilled to see a major corporation like UPS making such significant strides in reducing their environmental impact. Their “rolling laboratory” approach, testing various green technologies, is exactly the kind of innovative thinking we need to tackle our dependence on fossil fuels. This expansion is more than just a few green trucks – it’s a statement. It shows that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand. UPS is proving that with the right technology and commitment, we can reduce our carbon footprint without sacrificing efficiency or reliability. ### What’s Next? UPS has already invested over $15 million in their alternative fuel fleet, and they’re not stopping here. As they continue to explore and implement various green technologies, we can expect to see even more innovations in the future. So, the next time you see a UPS truck in your neighborhood, take a closer look – it might just be one of these eco-friendly hybrids, silently delivering packages while helping to deliver a cleaner future for all of us. What do you think about UPS’s green initiative? Are you excited to see more companies following suit? Let me know in the comments below! Stay green and keep on truckin’, Seth [UPS](https://www.ups.com/us/en/global.page) (NYSE:UPS) **_Source: United Parcel Service Atlanta, April 06, 2010_** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)