New England vitality firm Avangrid introduced plans to buy 130 new diesel-electric hybrid bucket vehicles as half of a bigger procurement plan to impress the utility service fleets of its subsidiary firms.
Each time we speak about plug-in hybrids or range-extended EVs, it may be robust to tell apart between a real effort to cut back dangerous carbon emissions and company greenwashing. On this case, nevertheless, it looks like Avangrid’s improvement of a diesel-electric hybrid answer is sensible – particularly when you think about the truth that these vehicles might have to function for hours on finish in areas that will not have prepared entry to electrical energy for a number of days.
Not like the absolutely electrical bucket vehicles we’ve lined earlier than, these vehicles use a traditional Freightliner M2 chassis and Tier 4 Closing diesel powertrain to get from A to B, however makes use of a big onboard battery to effectively energy and management the Altec-supplied bucket arm. This allows the truck’s operator(s) to maintain working with out idling the diesel – and meaning a major discount in diesel emissions the place folks reside and work.
What’s extra, Avangrid work crews can can maintain the cabin heated or cooled throughout extreme climate utilizing solely the saved battery, additional decreasing gasoline use and carbon emissions in comparison with typical diesels.
“It’s vital that Avangrid lives its values as a number one sustainable firm and drives innovation throughout the enterprise. On this case, we’re increasing our use of latest applied sciences that may make us extra vitality environment friendly,” explains Avangrid CEO, Pedro Azagra. “Hybrid autos will even enhance the well being and security of our workers and the communities we serve, whereas preserving Avangrid’s capacity to reply to emergencies in our service space and past.”
Avangrid plans to place these hybrid vehicles in service all through the northeast, with firms like NYSEG (proven, at high) and the village of Freeport, NY, among the many first to deploy hybrid bucket vehicles. Freeport says its lone hybrid truck will save between 30% and 50% on gasoline prices, and cut back the municipality’s CO2 emissions as much as 10 tons yearly all by itself. Do that very same math 130 instances, and also you’ll begin to perceive why Avangrid clients is likely to be respiration a bit bit simpler as soon as these vehicles get on the highway.
Avangrid goals to transform 60% of its heavy-duty fleet to low-emission and various fuels, and 100% of its light-duty fleet to battery electrical energy by 2030.
Electrek’s Take
Over at The Heavy Gear Podcast, we had an opportunity to speak to the blokes from Tempest Storm Leases about among the tools they use and the way they put it to work to revive energy after excessive climate occasions. It was my first publicity to among the diversified whys and hows that go into deciding on the tools property they handle, and I believe it’d assist clarify among the causes I’m going a bit simpler on these guys than you may count on.
That mentioned: Avangrid can do higher than 130 hybrids, and must observe the higher instance of utilities like SoCal Edison and ComEd and do extra to assist its clients electrify.
SOURCES | IMAGES: Avangrid, Village of Freeport.
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