Holland BPW
Holland Board of Public Works’ newest utility truck is cleaner, quieter, and
less expensive to maintain thanks to a new partnership with Volta PowerSystems, a local energy technology company. 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. 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 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.
Volta Power Systems was founded in 2014 by a team of investors and entrepreneurs with experience in the development of li-ion drivetrain systems for hybrid cars and electric vehicles (EVs). The company expanded that core technology for application to broader markets including auxiliary power systems for RVs, boats, and work trucks.
“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 CTO at Volta Power Systems. “We’re really
grateful to see the benefits of our community’s R&D investments come full
circle back to Holland through this local partnership.”
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.