CVPS rolls out New England’s first hybrid bucket truck
May 16, 2008
RUTLAND -- Central Vermont Public Service today unveiled the first hybrid bucket truck in New England in an effort to study and expand reliance on high-efficiency hybrid and plug-in vehicles.
“We believe this will be the utility truck of the future,” President Bob Young said. “We’re eager for that future, a future with fewer emissions and lower costs for customers.”
Dan Mackey, fleet manager for CVPS, and Carl Machia, chief line worker, showed students the new vehicle at schools in Rutland Town and Milton.
Mackey said the vehicle costs more "up front," but the lifetime costs are expected to be 23 percent lower than a regular bucket truck. He said the hybrid truck will use up to 60 percent less fuel than a traditional bucket truck, which at CVPS uses an average of $9,000 in fuel annually.
CVPS has utilitzed hybrid technology in recent years, adding 15 small hybrid SUVs to its fleet in 2005.
At low speeds, the hybrid’s electric motor supplies power to assist a smaller diesel engine, increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions. While braking, the torque passing through the transmission turns a generator to recharge the battery. When pulling away, the truck uses the torque created by the electric motor to move the vehicle.
The hybrid truck is a Navistar International 4300 Dura-star series with an International Eaton Hybrid Drive system. The fiberglass body includes 40 percent recycled material, and is 600 pounds lighter than a standard utility truck. The Hybrid truck was purchased through Clark’s Truck Center in Jericho.