SACRAMENTO, CA --- Vision Industries Corp., producers of the zero-emission, plug-in electric/hydrogen fuel cell hybrid Tyrano semi truck, drew a little promotional help from California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Oct. 20. 

During a special truck introduction at the Capitol building in Sacramento, the governor touted the Tyrano's environmentally friendly attributes. "This truck produces zero greenhouse gas emissions and is proof you can protect the environment and the economy at the same time," he said. "This is exactly the kind of technology we need to keep California on a path toward a greener future." 

Vision Industries' zero-emission Tyrano truck is initially designed to replace diesel and LNG short haul trucks in California. There are now more than 100,000 short-haul trucks in California and more than 1 million nationwide. Traditionally, short-haul trucking is done by trucks near the end of their life cycle. In other words, they're less efficient and more polluting trucks. Also, short-haul trucking predominantly occurs in populated urban areas, affecting the health and quality of life of millions of California residents. 

Vision CEO Martin Schuermann said the Tyranos "are 30 percent to 40 percent cheaper to operate than diesel trucks." He added that the company expects a strong market demand "once these trucks are in the hands of California truckers."