Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) and Electric Vehicles International (EVI) recently unveiled the utility industry’s first plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) drivetrain Class 5 work trucks.
PG&E partnered with EVI and the California Energy Commission to develop the Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) utility truck, which was designed, built and tested in EVI’s plant in Stockton, California, U.S. The REEV features an all-electric range of 45 miles (72 km) and anticipated fuel savings of 30% when the units are operating in hybrid mode.
PG&E has accepted delivery of the first two REEV units and eventually plans to replace all 942 of its conventional fuel Class 5 vehicles with PHEV models, which would save the utility nearly US$3.5 million in fuel costs and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by over 9,000 metric tons annually.
In addition to the fuel savings and environmental benefits PG&E anticipates as it deploys these trucks in increasing numbers, the trucks are able to produce up to 75 kW of exportable power, which could be used to supply power to the grid during planned or unplanned outages, and PG&E is working closely with EVI to move that number even higher.
To learn more, visit www.evi-usa.com and www.pge.com.
