Odyne Systems of Waukesha and Inland Power Group of Butler, Wisconsin have teamed up to deliver on a $45.4 million contract from the Department of Energy, administered through the Electric Power Research Institute, to install over 120 Odyne plug-in hybrids systems on work trucks to be deployed throughout North America. Together, Odyne and Inland have added over 12 jobs to support the contract.
Odyne was selected for the award in the medium and heavy duty truck category because its plug-in hybrid system is the only one on the market that reduces fuel consumption both while driving and at the work site, enabling companies and government fleets to reduce operating costs, while also better meeting sustainability objectives. The Odyne hybrid system, featuring Johnson Controls lithium-ion batteries and a Remy advanced electric propulsion motor proven in over two billion road miles, can reduce fuel consumption by up to 50 percent or greater depending upon the duty cycle, lower emissions and allow large work vehicles to operate quietly at a work site.
Odyne worked with Allison Transmission, an equity partner with a non-controlling interest in Odyne, to seek out Inland Power Group, one of the largest Allison distributors in the U.S as a manufacturing partner. Inland Power repurposed a 12,000 sq. ft warehouse facility in Butler, Wisconsin to provide
sub-assembly, installation and testing of the hybrid systems. Inland’s depth and experience with Allison transmissions, Oshkosh truck production and Detroit Diesel remanufacturing made it a great partner for this unique production opportunity. Dick Bossert, Vice President/GM at Inland commented, “Inland Power Group prides itself on being flexible and receptive to unique manufacturing opportunities, and our team is excited to be part of this cutting edge project.” Inland has a staff of 9 currently working full time on the Odyne project. The relationship with Allison Transmission distributor Inland Power Group compliments Odyne’s strategy to establish a highly scalable manufacturing network capable of integrating the Odyne hybrid system during the new vehicle build process on trucks over 14,000 pounds, or installing systems on existing vehicles to upgrade efficiency.
Odyne’s contract marks a significant step toward high-volume production of plug-in hybrid systems that are integrated with a wide variety of truck chassis and work seamlessly with robust, industry leading transmissions from Allison. Odyne hybrid systems interface with the vehicle transmission through a PTO on the popular 3000 and 4000 series transmissions. The results from this alignment with Allison will go a long way toward accelerating commercialization of plug-in hybrid technology. Together, Odyne Systems and Inland Power Group will be delivering some of the newest technologies to commercial truck users across the country.
Joe Dalum, President and CEO of Odyne and the 2013-2014 Green Truck Association President noted, "We are excited to be working with Inland Power Group on this project. Odyne has a passion for innovation and delivery of reliable, high quality advanced hybrid system solutions. Inland has the qualifications, resources and experience needed to provide additional manufacturing capacity to quickly meet growing demand. Odyne looks forward to further expansion in cooperation with other companies within the broader global Allison distribution and dealer network.”
