Nashville Technology Council

The Nashville Tech Council (July 23, 2009)

FedEx has added 92 hybrid-electric trucks, bringing the number of delivery trucks converted to hybrid-electric systems from 172 to 264. The trucks were converted into hybrid vehicles in Charlotte, N.C. over the past six months, creating 50 temporary jobs in the area.

The FedEx hybrid-electric fleet has logged more than 4 million miles of service since being introduced in 2004. This conversion has reduced the use of fuel by 150,000 gallons and carbon dioxide emissions by 1,521 metric tons. This is the equivalent of removing 279 cars from the road annually.

The trucks are projected to improve fuel economy by 44 percent, decrease particle matter by 96 percent as well as reduce smog-causing emissions by 75 percent compared to the standard FedEx Express delivery truck.

The 92 hybrid vehicles will be placed into service in California, primarily in the Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco metropolitan areas.

Ride the Magic Bus in Nashville

Keeping with our feel the beat of technology campaign, the sound of the Who’s 1972 classic “Magic Bus” came to mind today when I heard we finally placed into service six new 60-foot, articulated hybrid buses.  These buses are a marvel, not only for their fuel economy, but for their comfort and design.

The buses operate with an alternate fuel system and possess the latest in passenger features, and should help to alleviate the standing-room only issue on some of MTA’s most popular routes.  Made by North American Bus Industries (NABI), the new technology is ideal for regular route and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) applications.

Other features of the new hybrid BRT buses include:

•    Ample seating for up to 62 passengers with room for additional standing passengers (total capacity: 100);
•    Alternate fuel system – diesel and electric hybrid;
•    More fuel-efficient and require less fill-ups;
•    Reduced exterior noise levels; and
•    Low-floor kneeling bus with no steps makes boarding and exiting easier and faster.

If you live along route 26 Gallatin Road, then you can experience the ride.  I think we should pick a day and promote it as a Tech Ride the Bus to Work Day. What do you think?  Want to ride the Magic Bus with us?