On June 6, 2022, Xcel Energy announced that it will be the first energy company in the U.S. to add all-electric bucket trucks to its fleet.[1] Xcel Energy has a plan to electrify all its light-duty vehicles and 30% of its medium and heavy-duty fleet by 2030. Terex Utilities and Navistar, manufacturer of International trucks, will deliver the trucks two years ahead of industry projections. The new trucks feature two electric sources, one for the drive train and one for the lift mechanism. They have a range of 135 miles and are able to operate the bucket for a full workday on a single charge. The energy company plans to test these trucks in real working conditions over a six to 12-month pilot. Currently, the company operates 1,000 aerial bucket trucks in its fleet. The new trucks will be quieter and zero emissions. Feedback provided during the pilot will ensure the trucks are dependable and help the industry better prepare for the electric vehicle transition. Xcel Energy will introduce the first truck in the Minneapolis, Minnesota region in late June 2022. The second truck will be delivered to its Denver, Colorado fleet at the end of 2022.

[1] https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/about/newsroom/press-release/xcel-energy-is-first-in-the-nation-to-add-all-electric-bucket-trucks-to-fleet-MCFAQNJJTNLFCKJIV3QX6NCGLTWU