The Holland, Mich., Board of Public Works’ (HBPW) newest utility truck is cleaner, quieter and less expensive to maintain thanks to a new partnership with Volta Power Systems, a Michigan-based energy technology company that’s also active in the RV industry.
Equipped with an advanced li-ion auxiliary power system, lineworkers work from the truck nearly all day on a single charge without the need for idling, it said. HBPW’s investment in the clean technology truck, manufactured by Palfinger/ETI, represents an important step in aligning distribution operations with the Holland Community Energy Plan.
“Holland is one of the first communities in the country using this type of advanced energy technology to help our community meet energy efficiency and anti-idling goals,” said Dave Koster, HBPW general manager. “A good portion of the working hours of our bucket trucks are spent idling, so this technology will significantly reduce the overall emissions of the vehicle.”
The 13.2-kWh system runs hydraulic equipment, power tools, and exportable worksite power. The system charges from the alternator while driving to maximize engine efficiency; it also charges at the garage overnight without requiring specialized equipment. The vehicle is estimated to save the utility up to $14,000 per year in reduced fuel and maintenance costs while preventing about 42,000 pounds in CO2 emissions.
As an added benefit, the company said its idle-free system enables the utility to run quietly for nighttime and emergency repair work with minimal disruption to sleeping neighborhoods.
“Over the past 15 years, Holland has seen the development of groundbreaking li-ion technology for EVs, and that same technology is at the heart of HBPW’s newest anti-idle system,” said Jack Johnson, co-founder and chief technology officer at Volta Power Systems. “We’re really are grateful to see the benefits of our community’s R&D investments come full circle back to Holland through this local partnership.”
