Corporate Express US Inc., part of the Dutch-based Corporate Express NV, will be one of the first companies in North America to pilot a prototype diesel hybrid-electric delivery truck from Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc.
The pilot of this vehicle marks Corporate Express' first step toward adding Isuzu hybrid-electric vehicles to its United States delivery fleet, with the goals of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and minimizing environmental impact.
Most of Corporate Express US's trucks are from Isuzu, which has been the company's trucking partner since 1992.
Isuzu is working with Enova Systems to retrofit the Isuzu truck prototype with its HybridPower drive system, which combines an enhanced electric motor and electronic controls to help power the vehicle. Enova provides environmentally friendly hybrid drive systems for vehicles, creating savings in fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas and noise pollution. There are numerous other Isuzu diesel-electric hybrid programs, including a large-scale commercial program in Japan to provide cleaner vehicles in an urban environment.
Corporate Express expects to receive the prototype vehicle in April 2008 in Los Angeles CA.