Capacity of Texas and Emisstar Announce Successful Completion of PEMS Testing of the World's First Pluggable Hybrid Terminal Tractor (PHETT(R))

LONGVIEW, Texas, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Capacity of Texas, Inc. and Emisstar, LLC announced today the successful completion of PEMS testing for Capacity's New Technology Research and Development grant from the State of Texas for the development of a functional prototype Pluggable Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor (PHETT®).  The grant was completed by Capacity of Texas, in partnership with Alternative Motive Power Systems, LLC of Alexandria, Ohio.  

The project was funded by the State of Texas through a grant from the Texas Environmental Research Consortium and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.  The final PEMS report for the project submitted to TERC/TCEQ marks the successful completion of the grant and project.  Capacity developed a modular hybrid electric terminal tractor capable of operating in either a generator set "charge-sustaining" hybrid mode or in a "zero-emissions" mode using grid power.

Emisstar performed on-board emission testing and performance validation to quantify the impressive fuel economy improvements and emissions reductions of the PHETT®.  Emisstar's testing documented fuel economy improvement of 47 percent compared to traditional diesel powered terminal tractors, and similar reductions in the total mass emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.

Capacity of Texas, Inc. developed the PHETT®'s propulsion system in partnership with AMPS, whose proprietary control and power management systems make them an industry leader in green motive power.  Additionally, Capacity's Patent-Pending Hydraulic and Pneumatic power systems for the PHETT® are uniquely powered by a single, dual-shaft variable speed motor.

"Emisstar is pleased with the successful completion of this important grant project with Capacity of Texas which developed a market ready lower emissions, fuel-efficient terminal tractor for port, rail and drayage applications worldwide," remarked Emisstar Program Director, Kathi Harris. "Testing and facilitating energy and carbon efficient technologies and processes for commercial and industrial applications is a main focus of our Sustainable Transportation practice."

Phillip Ford, President of Capacity of Texas, stated, "As a leader in the terminal tractor industry, we are very pleased to have successfully completed this grant project by developing a functional, proven Pluggable Hybrid Electric Terminal Tractor.  The PHETT® has been a success in development, production, and has become a leading product in our full line of 'Green' product offerings.  Our vast power source options from Hybrids (diesel and fuel cell technology), CNG and LNG alternative fuels, SCR and EGR diesel engine options along with gasoline engine options provides our customers options which work best within their respective applications.  These power options enhance our strategy of continuous improvement in our product offering including improved ergonomics, maintenance ease and service-support to maintain optimal uptime.  Capacity of Texas is dedicated to the strategic partnerships with our customers and these power options will improve the experience in working with Capacity."

Capacity of Texas, Inc., has been serving the terminal tractor industry for over 39 years under the Trailer Jockey® brand. Capacity manufactures the Trailer Jockey® completely in-house and is solely focused on the manufacture and support of this product. Located in Longview, Texas, Capacity is a wholly owned subsidiary of Collins Industries, Inc., and is the largest American owned manufacturer of terminal tractors in North America, offering a full product line of terminal trucks used throughout the world. Capacity distributes products through a national and international authorized representative network. For a current listing of Capacity products and authorized representatives, visit www.capacitytexas.com.

Collins Industries, Inc is a leading manufacturer of ambulances (including medical attack vehicles, rescue vehicles and fire emergency vehicles), North America's largest producer of Type "A" small school buses, and a leader in the road construction and industrial sweeper markets.  Since 1971, Collins Industries, Inc. has grown to approximately 900 employees in three plants comprising over eight-hundred thousand combined square feet of manufacturing space.  Collins Industries, Inc. sells its products throughout North America and abroad.

SOURCE Capacity of Texas, Inc.