The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Eaton's Truck business, based in Galesburg, Mich., a $3.1 million contract to develop hybrid propulsion systems for trucks and other heavy duty vehicles. The DOE contract provides matching funds for a research and development program aimed at doubling the fuel efficiency of today's conventional truck engines, while at the same time increasing reliability and durability of components and meeting new, lowered federal emissions standards for 2007. The department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory will fund about $3.1 million of the $7.1 million three-year subcontract, with Eaton Corp. providing the balance of the funds.