Xcel's all-electric bucket truck

Xcel Energy in June announced it was going to start adding electric vehicles to its fleets. It did so first in Minneapolis, and in late October it had a bucket truck on display at the Westminster Westin during the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s annual Energy Innovations Summit.

Xcel said it was the nation’s first utility to have the all-electric bucket trucks.

“By adding these clean energy vehicles to our fleet, Xcel Energy is demonstrating its commitment to leading the clean energy transition by becoming a net-zero energy provider for all our customers’ energy needs – electricity, heating and transportation, while also helping shape the electrification of the truck industry, which complements our overall vision to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050,” said Bob Frenzel, the chief executive.

Xcel plans to electrify 100% of its light-duty vehicles and 30% of its medium and heavy-duty fleet by 2030.

The truck features two electric sources: one for the drive train and one for the lift mechanism. It has a 135-mile driving range.