Freightliner M2e Hybrid to Lorry Hazardous Materials

Now here's a match made in heaven...So, on one hand, you have Daimler Trucks North America, who developed the Freightliner Business Class M2e hybrid and on the other hundreds of chemical, nuclear or pharmaceutical companies, who develop lots of dangerous substances to be transported by the truck... At least that's what Daimler hopes, as this may be the beginning.

The Freightliner Business Class M2e hybrid is the first hybrid truck for use in hazardous material transport. It was developed for Pennington Gas Service (propane deliverer). The truck is a joint effort of both Daimler Trucks North America and Eaton Corp.

It is equipped with the Eaton parallel electric hybrid system, which enables the driver to operate the vehicle using the diesel engine alone, or in combination with the electric motor. The hybrid drive system also provides additional power to launch the truck, which reduces fuel consumption.

“The ability to turn off the diesel engine and use the hybrid system while pumping propane to our customers is ideal,” Pennington said. "Not only does it make economical and environmental sense, a quiet, zero-emissions pumping operation is also a benefit for the customers and their neighborhoods."

Being the first of its kind conceived to carry hazardous materials, both Daimler Trucks North America and Pennington Gas don't want to lose track of their new vehicle. To that end, they joined forces with Telogis, a enterprise fleet tracking software provider.

The Freightliner M2e line-up has been around for some time, but it was only after the Work Truck Show, which took place in Chicago last year, when Pennington came up with the idea to get such a platform for its propane gas delivery services.