New England power 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 corporations.
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 as if Avangrid’s improvement of a diesel-electric hybrid resolution is smart – particularly when you think about the truth that these vehicles could must function for hours on finish in areas that will not have prepared entry to electrical energy for a number of days.
In contrast to the totally electrical bucket vehicles we’ve coated earlier than, these vehicles use a traditional Freightliner M2 chassis and Tier 4 Last 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 big discount in diesel emissions the place folks reside and work.
What’s extra, Avangrid work crews can can preserve 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 essential 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 power environment friendly,” explains Avangrid CEO, Pedro Azagra. “Hybrid autos will even enhance the well being and security of our staff and the communities we serve, whereas preserving Avangrid’s means to answer emergencies in our service space and past.”
Avangrid plans to place these hybrid vehicles in service all through the northeast, with corporations like NYSEG (proven, at prime) 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 scale 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 respiratory slightly 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 fellows from Tempest Storm Leases about a few of 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 a few of the diversified whys and hows that go into deciding on the tools property they handle, and I feel it’d assist clarify a few of the causes I’m going a bit simpler on these guys than you may anticipate.
That stated: Avangrid can do higher than 130 hybrids, and must comply with 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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