Ares Transportation Technologies, SUU get grant for hybrid diesel engines

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah-based Ares Transportation Technologies has won a $55,000 grant from the Utah Science Technology and Research initiative for research into a kinetic energy recovery system for semitrailers.

The technology would allow a big rig to improve fuel efficiency, provide better driver control and braking, reduce brake wear and enable the use of electrical storage for auxiliary power. Testing is to begin this summer, according to Ares Chief Executive Officer Steve Pruitt.

The technology also could be used for hybrid electric race cars, an area of specialty for Ares in recent years.

The grant will be accepted in conjunction with Southern Utah University's College of Computing, Integrated Engineering and Technology.

— Rebecca Palmer