Enwin Utilities, based in Windsor, Ontario, has added a dozen new electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet, including a cutting-edge 55-foot Terex electric bucket truck, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable future for the utility. The new vehicles include a variety of electric models, with the electric bucket truck standing out as the centerpiece of the fleet.
The Terex electric bucket truck is built on the International eMV Series Class 7 electric chassis, featuring a 291 kWh battery and equipped with the Terex Optima 55-foot aerial device and the HyPower SmartPTO system. This fully electrified vehicle is designed to match the capabilities of its diesel counterparts while providing quieter, safer, and more efficient working conditions for utility crews. âOur centerpiece is our electric 55-feet bucket truck. Itâs very quiet,â said Gary Rossi, president and CEO of Enwin Utilities. âIt allows our crews to communicate better and reduces noise in the community during repairs.â
The electric bucket truck represents a significant investment for Enwin Utilities, costing nearly CAD $1 million. However, Rossi points out that the cost is comparable to a similarly-equipped internal combustion engine (ICE) version. The vehicle also provides a safer working environment, as the HyPower SmartPTO system eliminates the need for a noisy idling engine and reduces workersâ exposure to toxic exhaust fumes.
Windsorâs Mayor, Drew Dilkens, highlighted the cityâs commitment to sustainability and innovation, emphasizing that the new electric vehicles are part of a broader effort to make Windsor a leader in green technology. âItâs all about building Windsorâs future and literally plugging into the battery factory down the road,â Dilkens said, referring to the cityâs growing role in the electric vehicle industry. Dilkens, a long-time electric vehicle owner, also shared his personal commitment to sustainability, stating, âI donât own an internal combustion engine vehicle⌠I only own two electric cars.â