Moves to optimize the CNG-fueled spark injection for the parallel hybrid powertrain can be traced back to the year 2006. During the latter part of the year, IVK, FKFS, Robert Bosch, and Opel were already collaborating on a natural gas hybrid vehicle project. The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.

According to reports, for the past two years, efforts to downsize and downspeed were made to establish a lower CO2 emitting vehicle in the market. The researchers made it a point not to sacrifice the performance of the engines despite the lower levels of CO2 released. Instead, they worked on shifting the engine operations to higher loads which in turn also helped to make the machine’s brake specific functions more energy efficient.

By using a hybrid power train layout, possibilities for a turbocharged ICE became broader. Researchers state that this will enhance the efficiency of the whole range operation. The active waste gate control also contributes by improving the machines performance on all speeds. The basic underlying principle of the methods that were implemented is this: they minimized the pumping mean effective pressure (PMEP) to increase the engine’s fuel efficiency.

Adding to the upgrading of their vehicles, CCE also said that they now have a heavier duty hybrid tractor. The said vehicle is aimed at supporting a 55,000 lbs gross vehicle combination weight. The said innovation is a welcome development for the company’s 33,000 lbs gross vehicle weight.

CCE’s newest truck is designed with a hybrid powertrain for heavier loads. The new hybrid tractor is also in line with CCE’s campaign toward less energy consumption. The new truck is said to consume 305%less fuel that that of its old counterparts. CCE officials also said that the truck is said to produce 30% less of their old hybrid truck’s emissions.

The popular beverage company is not entirely new to the hybrid campaign. CCE has, in fact, started their research for hybrid trucks since 2001. The company has partnered with their suppliers in the search for hybrid electric trucks.

As of press time, CCE has deployed hybrid electric cars in different cities in North America. Some of them include Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, Baltimore, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto and Washington DC. Company officials said that the new hybrid acquisitions are planned to be deployed.