ACT News Talks Tech: BAE Systems’ Ed Frutig on Where Hybrids Are Delivering Real-World Value

May 19, 2026

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Key Takeaways

  • Hybrid technologies continue to offer practical efficiency and emissions benefits for specific fleet duty cycles and applications.
  • Fleets are finding that operational behavior and vehicle utilization play a major role in achieving expected hybrid savings.
  • Total cost of ownership comparisons between hybrid, battery-electric, and diesel platforms require fleets to evaluate infrastructure, uptime, and operational flexibility.
  • Hybrid systems can help fleets manage uncertainty related to fuel costs, charging infrastructure availability, and evolving regulations.

In this edition of ACT News Talks Tech, Director of Editorial Stephane Babcock sits down with Ed Frutig, Director of Business Development for Commercial Vehicles at BAE Systems, to discuss how hybrid technologies are evolving and where fleets are seeing real-world operational value today.

While much of the industry’s attention remains focused on battery-electric vehicles, hybrid systems continue to play an important role for fleets looking to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and navigate operational uncertainty without requiring major infrastructure investments.

During the conversation, Frutig explains where fleets are seeing the strongest performance from hybrid systems, how duty cycles influence results, and why operational behavior and data tracking are becoming increasingly important to achieving expected savings.

The discussion offers a practical look at where hybrid technology fits into today’s commercial transportation landscape and how fleets can better position themselves for the years ahead.

Watch the full interview to hear Frutig’s insights on the evolving role of hybrids and where the technology may deliver the greatest impact over the next several years.