Cox Enterprises switches to biodiesel hybrid vehicles

In an effort to continue its transition toward environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles, Atlanta-based media company Cox Enterprises Inc. added nine International Durastar Hybrid Bucket Trucks to its vehicle fleet that are capable of running on various biodiesel blends. Cox Enterprises is one of the nation’s leading media companies and an automotive services provider.

With the 13th largest fleet in the country, Cox Enterprises intends to replace its existing vehicles with more fuel-efficient hybrid models that will utilize battery power in conjunction with either B5 or B20 blends. The fleet is comprised of more than 15,000 vehicles, 257 of which are hybrids and 1,400 that are capable of running on biodiesel.

Supplied by Navistar International Corp., the new hybrid trucks will provide a potential fuel savings of nearly 60 percent in utility-type applications when the engine is turned off and electric power maintains operation of the vehicle. This capability makes the truck more efficient in standard driving, particularly in city and stop-and-go driving.

When a truck reaches a work site, the hybrid system can power the hydraulic pump that operates the aerial devices, such as overhead utility booms, and electric tools for up to two hours without the engine running, enabling the company to cut fuel use. The engine-off option during work-site operations further reduces noise and emissions, as well.