Advanced Clean Truck Act (ACT,) for example, stipulates that original equip- ment manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles must increase sales of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and near-zero emissions vehicles be- ginning this year until 2035. At that time, all new models will need to be ZEVs. The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) re- ports that six other states have adopt- ed the ACT : Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. RMI also explains that California’s Advanced Clean Fleet Act (ACF) is a supplement to the ACT, to encourage wider adoption of zero-emis- sion and hybrid vehicles. Customer and investor preferences As environmental awareness becomes more prevalent in politics and our dai- ly lives, people are demanding to see action that matches words. Potential customers and investors may favor tree care companies that set sustainability goals and work towards them. Quieter jobsite Besides long-term and environmental benefits, electric bucket trucks also bring immediate value to the table. EVs are quieter than vehicles with com- bustion engines and contribute to less noise pollution. “The ability to operate the boom with- out the diesel engine running has prov- en valuable in urban areas where noise ordinances are in
The Terex Optima 55-foot aerial device, powered by the HyPower SmartPTO by Viatec, is mounted on an Interna- tional Class 6 medium-duty electric chassis.
of running EV bucket trucks,” Caywood explained. There are many reasons a tree care company might consider electrifying its fleet — or at least switch to hybrid solutions powered by ePTO. Sustainability goals Greenhouse gas emissions produced from burning fossil fuels are having a detrimental impact on the planet. Con- tinuing to build and run gas-powered utility vehicles is not sustainable, and some tree care companies are making an extra effort to be environmentally conscious. Electric bucket trucks and ePTO gen- erate fewer carbon emissions than gasoline and diesel-powered engines. Collaborative research by Argonne Na- tional Laboratory and Viatec found that using a SmartPTO saves an average of 1,890 gallons of fuel each year . In the U.S., most electricity is generated from natural gas, petroleum, and coal, with a smaller percentage coming from renewable sources and nuclear power. As the percentage of nonrenewable energy production increases, EVs will remain the more sustainable option.
Cost-savings While “going green” may be a top pri- ority for choosing electric motors over combustion engines, cost savings is an- other major benefit. Combustion engine vehicles require fuel, which has only become more ex- pensive in recent years. True EVs have no fuel costs, and hybrid bucket trucks use less fuel than standard trucks. Also, vehicles with electric motors ar- en’t as expensive to maintain, though EVs still require other types of main- tenance, including brakes, suspension, and tires. Viatec estimates that using a SmartPTO saves between $9,000 and $16,000 in engine maintenance and fuel savings each year. Enticing tax incentives are also making it a good time to shop for electric. Companies or individuals who purchased plug-in electric vehicles in 2023 or aer may qual- ify for a tax break of up to $7,500. also for uals tric ual- ce and
Federal, state, and local regulations
Viatek’s ePTO technology can be used to fully power electric vehicles or provide auxiliary power to boom and bucket hydraulics in internal combustible vehicles.
There’s a reason more all-electric work vehicles are popping up. California’s
16 | ArborTIMES Spring 2024
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