New Lightweight Accumulators

LIGHTNING HYBRIDS INTRODUCES LIGHTWEIGHT HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATORS

Colorado company produces tanks that are one-third the weight of standard tanks

Loveland, Colorado (July 12, 2010) — Lightning Hybrids Inc. (LHI) today introduced their lightweight high pressure composite bladder accumulators for hydraulic and other energy storage applications.

LHI’s composite tanks are one-third the weight of standard steel accumulators and offer significant energy savings due to weight reduction, increased safety due to a higher than standard burst pressure factor, and cost savings because they are easier and less expensive to ship and install since weight and mounting hardware is minimized

The patent-pending tanks were engineered by Lightning Hybrids specifically for use in the company’s HyPER Assist™ hydraulic hybrid vehicle application. Though it quickly became evident that there are other uses for these lightweight energy storage tanks such as emergency vehicles, forestry, agricultural and mining mobile equipment, among others.

“Our lightweight accumulators enhance the performance and efficiency of a variety of hydraulic systems,” stated Dan Johnson, LHI’s CEO, “in addition they add a higher dimension of safety and reliability over standard steel accumulators.”

Structural Composites Industries, a subsidiary of Worthington Cylinders, manufactures the accumulators for Lightning Hybrids. SCI is a world-recognized leader in high pressure tank manufacturing with an impeccable safety record and has managed the certifications required for these high-pressure tanks.

Lightning Hybrids’ accumulators are 6,000 PSI bladder accumulators and range in size from 10 to 30 gallons. They are a Type 3 tank and consist of an aluminum lining and a spun carbon fiber wrapped shell, encompassing a nitrogen gas compression bladder. LHI’s carbon fiber wrapped vessels are considerably lighter than their steel counterparts. For example, a 15 gallon accumulator weighs 115 pounds compared to 465 pounds for a steel accumulator. LHI’s accumulators are made and assembled in the U.S.A. Orders are currently being taken with delivery 60 days from receipt of order. For more information please call 1-800-223-0740 ext. 102.

REEL BIZ Video

Check out some of our team interviewed for the Larimer County Workforce Center/Colorado Department of Labor and Employment:

http://www.betrproject.org/skilled-trades-and-technical-sciences/lightning-hybrids

NTEA Work Truck Show Pictures

Pictures of our booth at the National Truck Equipment Association's Work Truck Show - March 10 to 12, 2010.

New Video

Click Here to see our new process flow video.

Hydraulic Hybrid Systems - VCIR Technology Showcase

Lightning Hybrids Receives Larimer County Workforce Center Grant

Lightning Hybrids received a grant from the Larimer County Workforce Center (LCWC) to employ thirteen interns. These positions, paid by LCWC, will work for 400 to 500 hours each and will focus on projects ranging from mechanical engineering to updating our website.

For more information click here.

Major New Federal Incentives for Fleet Vehicles Likely

A bill in the Senate (S.2854) will increase potential tax incentives for medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles to $15,000-$100,000 for new hybrid technology purchases. This is great news for fleets and gives truck manufacturers great incentive to license HHS’s technology.

This bill has not yet passed and we need your help getting it modified to include hydraulic hybrids in addition to electric hybrids, as well as retrofits in addition to new vehicles.

If you would like a fact sheet to send to your State representative or anyone who may be able to help get the wording changed in the bill please email Bonnie.

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Reasons to include Hydraulic Hybrids in State and Federal Incentives

-- Hydraulic hybrids offer the same or better benefits as electric hybrids
- Significant reduction in fuel use (40 to 80% savings in stop-and-go situations)
- Significant reduction in carbon emissions (up to 50% reductions in most environments)

-- There is no battery to dispose of at the end of its cycle life

-- Hydraulic hybrids can be certified by the EPA in the same way as electric hybrids

-- Hydraulic hybrids are safer than electric hybrids
- No specialized hazard training is necessary to work on hydraulics
- Hydraulic components are not likely to explode or catch fire

-- Hydraulic hybrid components are readily available unlike electric hybrids which are constrained by supply availability

-- Hydraulic hybrid components and systems are generally made in the U.S. unlike electric hybrids that are generally built with imported batteries that comprise the majority of the cost


Reasons to include Retrofits in State and Federal Incentives

-- Retrofits extend the life and increase the value of an existing vehicle

-- Hydraulic hybrid retrofits offer the same or better benefits as new hybrid vehicles
- Significant reduction in fuel use (40 to 80% savings in stop-and-go situations)
- Significant reduction in carbon emissions (up to 50% reductions in most environments)

-- Retrofits can be certified by the EPA in the same way as new hybrid vehicles