New England energy company Avangrid has announced plans to purchase 130 diesel-electric hybrid bucket trucks as part of its broader strategy to transition its utility service fleets to more sustainable alternatives. The move aligns with Avangrid’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while maintaining operational reliability during emergencies.
The hybrid trucks, based on a Freightliner M2 chassis with a Tier 4 Final diesel powertrain, utilize a large onboard battery to power and control the Altec-manufactured bucket arm. This innovative design allows operators to work without idling the diesel engine, significantly cutting emissions in residential and work areas. Additionally, the trucks can heat or cool the cabin using the battery, reducing fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional diesel models.
“It’s important that Avangrid lives its values as a leading sustainable company and drives innovation across the business,” said Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra. “Hybrid vehicles will also improve the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve, while preserving Avangrid’s ability to respond to emergencies in our service area and beyond.”
The deployment of these hybrid trucks will begin across the northeast, with subsidiaries like NYSEG and municipalities such as Freeport, NY, among the first to adopt the technology. Freeport’s initial hybrid truck is projected to save 30%-50% on fuel costs and reduce annual CO2 emissions by up to 10 tons. Scaling this impact across 130 trucks, Avangrid anticipates substantial environmental and financial benefits for the communities it serves.
Avangrid’s broader fleet electrification plan includes converting 60% of its heavy-duty vehicles to low-emission and alternative fuels and fully electrifying its light-duty fleet by 2030. These hybrid bucket trucks represent a significant step toward achieving these ambitious sustainability goals.
