Avangrid Expands Fleet with 130 Hybrid Trucks to Boost Sustainability

Avangrid, Inc., a member of the Iberdrola Group, announced the purchase of 130 new hybrid bucket trucks. This will span for over three years to support its Northeast utilities. Avangrid’s plan highlights its dedication to electrifying its fleet and embracing alternative energy sources, including electric, hybrid, and green fuels.

The hybrid vehicles, from two manufacturers, use diesel engines for driving and electric motors for bucket lifts, providing notable benefits. Benefits include improved safety, with engines off during power line work, reducing exhaust exposure and enhancing crew communication via quieter motors.

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The design improves fuel efficiency by using the electric motor for the bucket lift and cabin comfort, minimizing diesel consumption. Using electric power for the lift reduces engine wear, enhancing reliability and extending the vehicles' operational lifespan significantly over time.

Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, said, "It is important that Avangrid lives its values as a leading sustainable company and drives innovation across the business. In this case, we are expanding our use of new technologies that will make us more energy efficient."

He added, "Hybrid vehicles will also improve the health and safety of our employees and the communities we serve, while preserving Avangrid’s ability to respond to emergencies in our service area and beyond.”

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Exploring Additional Sustainable Alternatives

Avangrid is also advancing other environmentally friendly technologies within its fleet. For instance, Avangrid already uses renewable diesel, derived from plant materials, in its Lancaster, New York, service area vehicles. The company plans to increase its use of green fuels in its hybrid vehicles.

The company aims to switch 60 percent of its heavy-duty fleet to alternative energy sources by 2030, meeting its sustainability goals.