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.
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