Vestas, the leading wind turbine manufacturer globally, has chosen the Ford F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup truck to spearhead its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, without relying on carbon offsets. This strategic move underscores Vestas’ commitment to sustainability and showcases the versatility of electric vehicles (EVs) in remote locations.
The Denmark-based energy solutions company has successfully integrated more than 300 Ford F-150 Lightnings into its service fleet. To support the vehicles’ charging needs, Vestas has installed multiple Ford Pro Chargers across its network, ensuring the pickup truck batteries remain topped up and ready for action.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this collaboration is how the electric pickups can reach Vestas’ turbines in remote areas, even when they have a low state of charge. Once on-site, the F-150 Lightnings can utilize the energy generated by the wind turbines to recharge, allowing technicians to work on the equipment while the trucks replenish their batteries.
Moreover, the F-150 Lightning offers the convenience of the Pro Power Onboard feature, which enables workers to power their hand tools using the truck’s exportable electricity. With several 120-volt outlets and a single 240-volt plug, the truck essentially acts as a mobile generator, emitting no harmful gases.
Vestas recognized the challenges it faced in finding larger electric vehicle options capable of carrying the necessary tools for wind turbine maintenance. However, with the introduction of the Ford F-150 Lightning, the company has found an ideal solution that combines utility, range, and sustainability, meeting the requirements of its operators.
Michael Kraft, Vestas’ Fleet Manager in North America, expressed the importance of collaboration with leaders like Ford to achieve Vestas’ sustainability goals. He stated, “Vestas is on an ambitious sustainability journey, and we need to collaborate with like-minded leaders across the various sectors of our supply chain to reach our bold targets. With Ford being one of those leaders here in the US, incorporating the F-150 Lightnings into our service fleet was a good fit for us.”
Currently, Vestas operates a fleet of approximately 1,850 vehicles in North America. With the recent order of over 300 Ford F-150 Lightnings, electric vehicles will account for 20 percent of Vestas’ fleet, showcasing the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Furthermore, the Ford Pro Chargers, equipped with a CCS plug, can be utilized by other EV brands, extending their utility and enabling Vestas to keep its all-electric fleet operational.
By selecting the Ford F-150 Lightning and implementing a comprehensive charging infrastructure, Vestas has taken a significant step towards achieving its carbon-neutral aspirations. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of electric vehicles in the renewable energy sector and sets an example for other companies seeking to align their operations with environmental sustainability goals.
