With many utilities establishing sustainability goals for their fleets there is growing interest in alternatively powered vehicles. Interest in electric vehicles is at an all-time high, as a result of a federal tax credit and other government incentives. Similar incentives also exist for Biofuels, CNG, LNG and hydrogen fuel cells. Manufacturers exhibiting at The Utility Expo 2023 responded with products to help fleet managers reduce carbon emissions while maintaining maximum efficiency and productivity in their operations.
Up the battery power of electric or gas-powered vehicles
Volta Power Systems debuted their new flagship power system at The Utility Expo 2023: FLEX. It's a new line of engineered li-ion energy solutions for utility work trucks. According to Vice President of Sales Jon Mulder, Volta can be integrated into a gas- or diesel-powered vehicle as well as a full EV. “On a gas-powered vehicle, our system allows the engine to shut off while the vehicle is stopped to do work. We can eliminate the idle of the engine in many situations. On EVs, we run aux power systems to allow the vehicle to run longer.”
According to Mulder, FLEX helps fleets overcome the limitations of full EVs: cost and range anxiety. “For the price of one full EV work truck, we can upfit 30 gas-powered vehicles with a no-idle set up.”
Volta overcomes any hesitancy about power with a 51 volt system. “We have plenty of horse power to do what they need done,” said Mulder. “Once they get used to not communicating over a diesel engine running or breathing the fumes all day long, they prefer it.”
Electric powered construction equipment boasts equal performance to diesel
With three electric compact excavators, two compact wheel loaders and one compactor, Volvo Construction Equipment has the largest lineup of commercially available electric machines, and several were on display at The Utility Expo.
According to Lars Arnold, Product Manager for Sustainable Power at Volvo CE, operators are always surprised that the power and performance is the same as diesel powered machines of the same size. “Many say it feels stronger,” he said. “That’s because electric machines don’t have the slight delay that diesel usually does in delivering torque.”
Questions about charging are common. “We explain it like this: the more power you can put into your electric machine, the faster it will charge,” said Arnold. “It’s like filling your vehicle with a gas can versus a fuel pump. So, while a regular household outlet can do the job, a 240-volt, 32-amp Level 2 AC-charging setup will do it faster. And even faster than that is to use a DC fast-charging solution that charges directly with 48V DC and up to 360 amps. “
At twice the cost of comparable diesel machines, it’s important for fleet managers to consider the total cost of ownership with electric machines. “Because fuel is no longer required and maintenance costs are greatly reduced, the ROI is impressive, and the total cost of ownership is lower,” said Arnold. Driving down maintenance costs are a maintenance-free electric motor (featuring auto shutoff); fully electric drivelines that reduce hydraulic oil need by half; easy ground-level access to lubrication and maintenance points; and lithium-ion batteries that are totally maintenance-free.
Auto shutoff ensures that the motor turns off as soon as the operator stops working, thus reducing operating hours. “Jobs that can rack up 10,000 hours on a diesel machine might only add 6,000 or 7,000 hours to a comparable electric machine,” added Arnold. “These saved hours lower operating costs and improve resale value.”
Zero-Emission all-electric puller-tensioner
Also debuted at the show, Condux Tesmec's new PES500 all-electric puller-tensioner eliminates the need for hydraulic components such as hydraulic motors, pump and valves. The unit’s silent operation makes it ideal for almost any location, while the electric power system generates zero emissions. The PES500 delivers a maximum pull force of 5,000 pounds and offers an advanced user interface and remote control. A new digital HMI provides automatic power management and full safety controls.
All electric bucket truck with SmartPTO
Terex Utilities showcased the Optima HR55, an all-electric bucket truck with the SmartPTO at The Utility Expo.
“As other manufacturers are developing and prepare to launch their EV bucket trucks, we have them in the field operating,” said Joe Caywood, Director of Marketing and Product Management at Terex Utilities in a press release. “We’ve found that customers who are experiencing the greatest success integrating these all-electric trucks into their fleets have a clear understanding of their routes, duty cycles, and developed a plan to access charging to get the benefits of running EV bucket trucks.”
According to Caywood, by combining the Terex HyPower SmartPTO by Viatec with the International eMV Series battery electric 33,000 GVW chassis on a Terex Optima 55 ft aerial device, Terex Utilities was able to bring a bucket truck solution to the electric utilities two years ahead of industry projections.
The Terex HyPower SmartPTO by Viatec provides all the hydraulic functions of the utility truck without reducing the range of the truck. According to Caywood the range of the fully loaded trucks is 100-110 miles.
Kohler Engines’ wide range of sustainable power solutions
Kohler Engines' ongoing commitment to decarbonization does not set aside internal combustion engine technology, but transforms it by continuing to invest in internal combustion engines that can provide clean, affordable energy to customers for years to come. “The choice of one solution over another will depend on the machine, as well as factors such as duty cycle, operating environment and location, and market-specific regulations and incentives,” said the company in a press release.
Kohler acquired Curtis Instruments, to expand and diversify its portfolio, leveraging Curtis’ expertise in electrification, and solidifying Kohler’s commitment to hybrid and electrified solutions. The company’s vision is to develop sustainable and technically sound EV system solutions to increase the performance of internal combustion engines by placing full electric solutions alongside them, thereby making Kohler the best partner for drop-in options in key markets. The goal is integrated power unit solutions that enable the most cost-effective and efficient operation possible, but above all modularity: a wide choice of solutions – hybrid, mild hybrid, full electric – to meet every OEM need.
Get your questions answered
When considering a switch to electric or another alternative fuel there’s a lot to consider, whether it’s charging infrastructure, initial costs, maintenance costs, performance as well as rebates and incentives. With solutions now a reality, manufacturers are ready to answer questions and guide utilities and contractors on the journey to reduce carbon emissions.
See it in action
With over 21,000 attendees, over 900 exhibiting companies, and 1.5 million net square feet of show to see, The Utility Expo 2023 was our largest show ever! Check out this video to see what you missed:
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