Navistar has unveiled an International WorkStar Hybrid 4x4, which it says is the industry’s first four-wheel drive diesel-electric hybrid commercial truck. Designed for medium-heavy on/off-road use, the WorkStar uses Eaton Corp.’s electric-drive system to run booms, diggers and other equipment while reducing engine-on operations during building and repairs by public utility crews. Other construction-oriented applications are being explored. The WorkStar chassis is rated at up to 40,000 pounds GVW. It is standard with a MaxxForce DT diesel that works with an Eaton automated mechanical transmission, an electric motor, special batteries and electronic controls to store power for later use.
