MIT engineers study diesel-free, hybrid heavy-duty truck concept

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To address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with diesel fuel consumption, Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers have devised a new way of powering trucks that could curb pollution, increase efficiency, and reduce or even eliminate their net GHG factor. The concept involves using a plug-in hybrid engine system where the truck is primarily powered by batteries, but with a spark ignition engine versus compression ignition typical of diesel power. That power source would allow trucks to travel the same distances as today’s conventional diesel-powered models, would operate in flex-fuel mode on pure gasoline or alcohol, or blends of the fuels.

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