GF Blue logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Study Touts Hydraulic Hybrids for Refuse Fleets

Initial results from testing have shown that hydraulic hybrid vehicles (HHV) offer significant fuel-saving opportunities compared to similar conventional diesel vehicles in refuse operation, according to a study performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

by Staff
October 13, 2015
Study Touts Hydraulic Hybrids for Refuse Fleets

Photo courtesy of NREL.

2 min to read


Photo courtesy of NREL.

Initial results from testing have shown that hydraulic hybrid vehicles (HHV) offer significant fuel-saving opportunities compared to similar conventional diesel vehicles in refuse operation, according to a study performed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The NREL is conducting this study in order to assist Miami-Dade, Fla. County’s Public Works and Waste Management Department in determining the ideal routes for maximizing HHV’s fuel efficiency. To do this, the NREL will perform on-road tests to collect and analyze the fuel economy, maintenance costs, and drive cycles of both types of vehicles.

Ad Loading...

For the initial results, the NREL entered the data gathered from the on-road tests into the Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator to study the impact of route selection and other vehicle parameters, according to the NREL.

The tests showed that the fuel-saving opportunities that HHVs offered were dependent on a drive route taking advantage of the HHV’s regenerative braking. The hybrid vehicles used for this study, Autocar E3 refuse trucks equipped with Parker Hannifin’s RunWise Advanced Series Hybrid Drive systems, reportedly recover as much as 70% of the energy lost during braking, according to the NREL.

The NREL will also be conducting chassis dynamometer testing of the HHVs and baseline conventional vehicles in a controlled laboratory setting in order to determine the fuel economy and emissions impact of the hydraulic hybrid technology, according to the NREL.

More Green Fleet

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation and its partners dedicated Maui’s second National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program charging station at Kapalua Airport on Wednesday, May 13.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseMay 20, 2026

HDOT Commissions New NEVI Fast-Charging Site at Maui Kapalua Airport

HDOT, community leaders and project partners recently participated in a commissioning and blessing ceremony celebrating the opening of the new charging site.

Read More →
Illustration of an electric vehicle with a panoramic glass roof highlighting Eastman’s Saflex Evoca XIR.SR infrared-reflective interlayer technology.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseMay 13, 2026

EV Efficiency Beyond the Battery

Eastman launched Saflex Evoca XIR.SR, an infrared-reflective interlayer for EV panoramic sunroofs designed to reduce cabin heat, improve occupant comfort, and support battery efficiency.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail with EVs and charger and editor Nichole
Green FleetApril 30, 2026

Revisiting the EV Conversation | The Fleet Breakroom

EVs have been a major part of the fleet conversation for years, but where does that conversation stand now?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Long Beach Refuse Truck.
Green FleetApril 24, 2026

Long Beach Debuts First Electric Refuse Trucks in Fleet Pilot

The City of Long Beach, California, has unveiled its first two all-electric garbage trucks, marking the start of a pilot program as the city evaluates a broader transition away from compressed natural gas.

Read More →
Graphic illustrating Beam Global and HEVO’s autonomous wireless EV charging platform designed to support autonomous vehicles and electric fleets using solar-powered charging infrastructure.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseMarch 18, 2026

Beam Global and HEVO Inc. Launch Market Ready Autonomous Charging Platform for Autonomous Vehicles

Beam Global and HEVO have launched an integrated autonomous wireless charging system that pairs off-grid solar EV infrastructure with wireless charging technology, designed to support autonomous vehicle operations and electric fleet deployments.

Read More →
Five Alabama A&M police officers pose with four electric patrol SUVs on campus in front of a brick academic building.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseMarch 4, 2026

New EVs Part of Long-Term Investment Toward Zero Emissions

Alabama A&M University has added four electric patrol vehicles to its Department of Public Safety fleet, becoming the first university in the state to deploy electric police vehicles.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 10, 2026

Colorado City Goes Electric With New Fleet of Recycling and Waste Collection Trucks

Colorado City accelerates its clean transportation goals with the launch of an all-electric fleet for waste and recycling.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 6, 2026

Reduce Emissions. Reduce Risk. No Charging Infrastructure Required.

Sustainability mandates and tight budgets don't have to be in conflict. Hybrids offer a practical, low-risk path to meaningful emissions reductions without new infrastructure spending or operational disruption. Download the eBook for the data and the roadmap to make the case internally and act with confidence.

Read More →
Green Fleetby Bob StantonJanuary 21, 2026

Flavor of the Decade: What if BEVs Aren’t the Answer?

A look at the present state of play in the EV market, plus a 2027 heavy truck emissions update.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Off-grid Beam Global EV ARC charging systems installed at the City of Fresno Municipal Service Center Yard, featuring solar canopies and EV chargers used by the city’s electric vehicle fleet.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 12, 2026

City of Fresno Deploys Beam Global EV ARC Off-Grid EV Charging Systems to Support Municipal Fleet Electrification

The City of Fresno deployed off-grid EV charging systems to support municipal fleet electrification without relying on utility grid connections.

Read More →