The batteries in the hybrid off-highway truck is the same sodium-based battery used in GE’s locomotives, according to the GE Research blog.

Rising fuel prices are pushing truck manufacturers to adopt more efficient and clean technologies.

Volvo is developing a range of Mack trucks with the goal of making them carbon neutral. A hybrid Mack dump truck can save between 25 percent and 30 percent on fuel costs.

General Electric on Tuesday said that it has tested a hybrid version of a haul truck, the kind of giant dump truck that’s used at a mine or to haul away mountains of dirt.

The hybrid haul truck wasn’t just announced in honor of Earth Day.

The system works just like a Toyota Prius, more or less. The engine feeds electricity to a battery that runs the drivetrain. During braking, the spinning wheels act as a generator for the battery.

Hybrids aren’t just for eco-conscious soccer moms.

(Credit:
GE)