- Email: [email protected]
Composites deliver weight savings for UPS
FEATURE
Composites deliver weight savings for UPS Delivery company UPS is introducing composite materials to replace certain metal components on its vans to improve fuel efficiency.
U
PS has announced that it intends to purchase 150 composite-bodied vehicles following a year-long pilot programme in the United States to test the durability, repair qualities and structural strength of the composite materials. The prototype delivery van with composite body panels and other body elements weighs nearly 900 lbs lighter than a traditional truck, UPS reports. According to test results, this overall weight reduction, combined with advanced powertrain technology and new body aerodynamics, results in a 40% increase in fuel efficiency over the traditional UPS P70 diesel package car (see infographic below).
Ease of repairs, durability and maintenance also proved to be positive. A year’s worth of testing of five trucks in high-mileage settings showed that composites are durable, work well in all kinds of climates (especially where corrosion from road salt is an issue), and are easily repaired since they are modular. UPS has had some limited composite materials included in previous vehicles but this version extends the material across the entire vehicle with the exception of the floor. The company says this floor area still requires metal structures to protect and support the weight of the shipments inside.
The UPS composite van. UPS tested five CV-23 pilot vehicles from Utilimaster/ Isuzu to determine if they could meet the demands of its operating needs, while producing positive environmental benefits.
0034-3617/12 ©2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Delivery of the composite vans is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2012. As a result of the testing, UPS says it has become even more comfortable with composite materials and will consider adding more composite components into larger vehicle types to reduce vehicle weight. The use of composite materials signals a strategic shift for UPS. In the past, UPS package cars were “built like tanks” because they were kept in service for decades. Now, with different materials available, we are changing our mindset,”says Dale Spencer, UPS Director-Automotive Engineering. ■
This graphic shows how the design of the CV-23 prototype vehicle results in reduced fuel costs for UPS.
JULY/AUGUST 2012
REINFORCEDplastics
37
Composites deliver weight savings for UPS Delivery company UPS is introducing composite materials to replace certain metal components on its vans to improve fuel efficiency.
U
PS has announced that it intends to purchase 150 composite-bodied vehicles following a year-long pilot programme in the United States to test the durability, repair qualities and structural strength of the composite materials. The prototype delivery van with composite body panels and other body elements weighs nearly 900 lbs lighter than a traditional truck, UPS reports. According to test results, this overall weight reduction, combined with advanced powertrain technology and new body aerodynamics, results in a 40% increase in fuel efficiency over the traditional UPS P70 diesel package car (see infographic below).
Ease of repairs, durability and maintenance also proved to be positive. A year’s worth of testing of five trucks in high-mileage settings showed that composites are durable, work well in all kinds of climates (especially where corrosion from road salt is an issue), and are easily repaired since they are modular. UPS has had some limited composite materials included in previous vehicles but this version extends the material across the entire vehicle with the exception of the floor. The company says this floor area still requires metal structures to protect and support the weight of the shipments inside.
The UPS composite van. UPS tested five CV-23 pilot vehicles from Utilimaster/ Isuzu to determine if they could meet the demands of its operating needs, while producing positive environmental benefits.
0034-3617/12 ©2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Delivery of the composite vans is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2012. As a result of the testing, UPS says it has become even more comfortable with composite materials and will consider adding more composite components into larger vehicle types to reduce vehicle weight. The use of composite materials signals a strategic shift for UPS. In the past, UPS package cars were “built like tanks” because they were kept in service for decades. Now, with different materials available, we are changing our mindset,”says Dale Spencer, UPS Director-Automotive Engineering. ■
This graphic shows how the design of the CV-23 prototype vehicle results in reduced fuel costs for UPS.
JULY/AUGUST 2012
REINFORCEDplastics
37