San Diego Gas & Electric announced Wednesday that it will purchase up to 110 first-of-their-kind, plug-in electric hybrid trucks between 2017 and 2020 to lower the carbon footprint of its service fleet.
Boston-based XL Hybrids — a leading developer of hybrid trucks — will convert commercially available gasoline-powered trucks into electric hybrids. The conversion is expected to deliver a 50 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.
“Not only will our fleet vehicle transformation create cleaner air for our community, it also will provide a path for reducing vehicle operating expenses for the benefit of our customers,” said Jeff Martin, SDG&E’s chairman, president and CEO.
He added that the utility is committed to “decarbonize electricity” and expects to deliver more than 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources in 2017.
The utility recently purchased more than 30 new plug-in electric hybrid “bucket” trucks which have an on-board battery system that eliminates the need for engine idling when crews are called out for repairs.
