The Holland, Michigan, Board of Public Works’ (HBPW) newest utility truck is cleaner, quieter and less expensive to maintain than its bucket trucks have been in the past.
Changes came from a new partnership with Volta Power Systems, which creates lithium-ion drivetrain systems for automotive and expanded the systems to become auxiliary power systems for RVs, boats and work trucks.
Equipped with the lithium-ion auxiliary power system, lineworkers work from the truck nearly all day on a single charge without the need for idling. HBPW General Manager Dave Koster said the city is leading the country in using this technology for energy efficiency and anti-idling goals.
“A good portion of the working hours of our bucket trucks are spent idling,” Koster said, “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 lbs in CO2 emissions.
As an added benefit, the idle-free system enables the utility to run quietly for nighttime and emergency repair work with minimal disruption to sleeping neighborhoods.
“We are really grateful to see the benefits of our community’s research and development investments come full circle back to Holland through this local partnership,” said Jack Johnson, Volta Power Systems co-founder and chief technology officer.
HBPW’s truck began service in July. Though residents are unlikely to hear the truck idling, they can pick it out from the Idle-Free Hybrid decal on the side of the truck. For more information, visit Holland BPW’s website at hollandbpw.com.
