Environmental Services — September 7, 2010

Ministère des Transports du Québec supports FPInnovations' evaluation of hybrid trucks for freight shipments

www.fpinnovations.ca

POINTE-CLAIRE, QC, Sept. 7 /CNW Telbec/ - FPInnovations will conduct two $50,000 studies on eco-energy optimization for the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ). The studies will analyse and compare the shipment of freight in urban centres by hybrid (diesel/electric) trucks and conventional (diesel) trucks.

Via its Program Innovation Transport (PIT), FPInnovations will analyse all of the environmental, economic and energy parameters for two hybrid trucks operated by the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) and Agropur. The MTQ has assigned FPInnovations the responsibility for monitoring and analysing the vehicles' performance.

The data gathered thanks to the SAQ truck will be analysed in comparison with shipments of the same type of freight using conventional trucks, with a view to identifying and understanding the advantages of hybrid technology in the transport sector.

As for the Agropur truck, the FPInnovations researchers will focus specifically on hybrid vehicle driving techniques. This study will identify behaviours that drivers should adopt in order to take full advantage of hybrid technology. FPInnovations will then prepare specialized training for hybrid vehicle drivers.

Among the numerous parameters for the two studies, fuel consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be of prime importance.

PIT deploys the most efficient, cutting-edge technologies for long-distance and urban freight shipments. It works with the transport industry, private companies with large merchandise distribution networks, government agencies and municipalities. As a member of the PIT network, businesses and governments can tap into the expertise of FPInnovations researchers, who provide them with access to engineering services and practical advice for implementing new technologies.

According to Pierre Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of FPInnovations, "The participation of the Ministère des Transports du Québec directly supports the eco-energy efforts devoted by the road transport industry, which is seeking innovative solutions to improve its energy efficiency and its environmental and economic performance. We are pleased to be able to call on our knowledge and share PIT network resources for the benefit of the entire transport industry, including both heavy trucks and municipal vehicle fleets."

About FPInnovations
FPInnovations is Canada's leading forest products research institute. It conducts research, provides technical services and carries out technology transfers in the areas of wood harvesting, wood products, pulp and paper, nanotechnology, bio-energy generation and chemical production. With a staff of approximately 550, it has research laboratories in Québec City, Montréal and Vancouver, and technology transfer offices across Canada. For more information about FPInnovations, visit www.fpinnovations.ca

About Project Innovation Transport
Created in 2005, PIT brings together researchers, vehicle fleet managers, technology providers and government agencies, with a view to improving each phase in both cross-border and urban transportation systems. By working together and using the latest technological and operational innovations, PIT delivers tangible solutions that comply with government legislation. This approach ensures swift implementation and a high return on investment. For more information about PIT, visit www.pit.fptransport.org

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