DUECO Inc. Delivers First Odyne Hybrid System Equipped Trucks to We Energies

Waukesha, WI, January 16, 2015 --(PR.com)-- DUECO, Inc., the largest privately owned provider of Terex Utilities and Terex® Hi-Ranger bucket trucks, digger derricks and cranes for the utility market in the country, has delivered two trucks equipped with Odyne plug-in hybrid systems to We Energies. The Odyne systems are now operating on a Terex TC55 line construction truck mounted on an IHC chassis, which will be doing everyday line work and a Terex SC45 trouble truck, which will be doing more driving and service work. Both trucks are equipped with diagnostics to measure the performance of the hybrid trucks relative to others in the We Energies fleet.

The Odyne hybrid power system features proprietary and patented hybrid technology combining reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology. An Odyne plug-in hybrid system lowers fuel consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines, reduces emissions and provides quieter operation at the work site. The Odyne system is the only one approved to interface with Allison Transmission’s industry leading fully-automatic transmissions and uses a rugged Remy electric motor in parallel with the existing drivetrain to provide launch assist and regenerative braking. At the work site, the Odyne plug-in hybrid system, featuring Johnson Controls’ lithium-ion battery packs, powers typical work site applications with the engine off for a significantly longer time than other large truck hybrid systems. Odyne continues to be the only plug-in hybrid system on a medium- or heavy-duty truck to deliver greater fuel efficiency both while driving and at the work site.

The trucks are part of a 292 vehicle, $45.4 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and South Coast Air Quality Management District of California (SCAQMD) award. Odyne is developing and deploying about120 plug-in hybrid systems for trucks for companies and governmental entities throughout North America as part of the award. The trucks delivered with Odyne plug-in hybrid systems feature advanced grid capabilities to charge the hybrid batteries at the most opportune time, reducing charging costs and excess demand on the utility grid.

“We are proud to be adding these hybrid trucks to our fleet,” noted Jewel Currie, We Energies director of transportation, health and safety. “They’ll help us lower our fuel costs and reduce emissions. Plus, our employees and customers will notice how much quieter they are in the field.”

Matt Jarmuz, Director of Sales for Odyne Systems noted, "We are excited to have an Odyne plug-in hybrid system evaluated against other alternatives in the We Energies fleet. We have a passion for innovation and delivery of reliable, advanced hybrid system solutions, and this truck will help establish the merits of the product when evaluated alongside other trucks in the fleet.”

About We Energies
We Energies serves more than 1.1 million electric customers in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and 1.1 million natural gas customers in Wisconsin. We Energies is the trade name of Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Gas LLC, the principal utility subsidiaries of Wisconsin Energy Corporation. Visit We Energies at we-energies.com and Wisconsin Energy at wisconsinenergy.com.

About DUECO
DUECO, Inc. is a women-owned business and the largest independent provider of Terex bucket trucks, digger derricks, and cranes for the utility market in the nation. Additionally, DUECO manufactures custom utility truck bodies; distributes mini derricks/aerial lifts, stringing equipment and trailers; and supplies tools and accessories for all truck brands. Family owned and operated since 1955, DUECO’s philosophy of teamwork, integrity, and open communication with customers and employees ensures high quality equipment at the best value. With headquarters in the Metro Milwaukee area, DUECO services customers 24/7 in fifteen states. To learn more, visit dueco.com or call 800-558-4004.

About Odyne Systems, LLC
Odyne is a leader in hybrid drive systems for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Odyne’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology enables trucks over 14,000 pounds to have substantially lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, improved performance, quieter job site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has fielded more plug-in hybrid systems for large trucks throughout the United States than any other supplier. Odyne systems are modular and are integrated to powertrains during the new vehicle manufacturing process or are retrofit to existing truck chassis in various applications. The systems are sold and serviced through a worldwide distribution network including Altec, DUECO and Terex Utilities. Odyne has also authorized selected Allison Transmission distributors to service Odyne systems across North America. For further information, visit us at www.odyne.com and follow us on Twitter @Odyne.

About SCAQMD
SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

About EPRI
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI's members represent approximately 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to more than 30 countries. EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.