Williamsburg, VA – Altec Industries, Inc., a Birmingham, Ala., based manufacturer of products for the electric utility, telecommunications and contractor markets and Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation (SEV U.S.), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., announced their partnership today to introduce the first all-electric utility vehicle in the United States. The companies plan to present the vehicle at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC) this week in Williamsburg, Va.
The Smith Newton battery-operated truck and electric technology is produced by SEV U.S. and SEV U.K., and is customized for the electric utility industry by installing an Altec aerial device.
The electric bucket truck is comprised of a battery-powered Smith Newton truck and a custom built Altec body and aerial device that will function as seamlessly as a similar diesel-powered or hybrid unit. However, this all-electric unit produces zero emissions or noise pollution and contains components that are 100 percent recyclable.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States, will play a critical role in the development of this vehicle. The first test unit will be added to PG&E’s fleet to conduct routine and emergency overhead line work in PG&E’s northern and central California service area. PG&E will provide test data to SEV U. S. and Altec for the creation of a production model.
“PG&E is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and helping to improve air quality in the communities we serve,” said Dave Meisel, director of transportation services for PG&E. “We hope our involvement will lead to the accelerated development and mainstream acceptance of electric vehicles in our industry.”
Powered by lithium-ion battery packs, a fully charged unit is capable of traveling a distance of 100 miles, up to 50 mph and has a payload of over 16,000 lbs. Recharging the truck takes six to eight hours and features regenerative braking which allows the batteries to store energy when the vehicle is stopped. The Altec component, an AT37-G aerial boom, is a telescopic articulating device used for electric utility line maintenance and installation. The aerial has a maximum height of 37.8 ft and reach of 28.3 ft.
Altec was able to engineer its existing AT37-G aerial device to mount on the Smith Newton chassis and seamlessly operate on only electric power by creating a fiber-optic signal, which will be delivered from the platform to activate the electric motor. New body designs also accommodate the lithium-ion battery pods and provide clearer access for service.
For more information about SEV U.S. and Altec’s partnership in developing the first all-electric utility vehicle in the United States or their participation in the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference, please contact Jessica Hallman at jessica.hallman@altec.com.
ABOUT Altec Industries, Inc. - Altec is the leading manufacturer of aerial lifts, digger derricks, truck-mounted cranes and specialty equipment for the electric utility, telecommunications, contractor and tree care industries. Altec has manufacturing, sales and service facilities located throughout North America and sells and services equipment in over 100 countries.
ABOUT Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation – Smith Electric U.S. Corporation (SEV U.S. Corp), a Delaware corporation is an all-electric, zero emissions commercial truck manufacturer and is a privately held company owned by U.S. Investors and the Tanfield Group, pic, based in the United Kingdom. SEV U.S. Corp produces the Smith Newton, the world’s largest battery-electricpowered truck.
