Viatec blog

Maximizing Assets: A Fleet’s Strategy to Support EV Transition | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:33:22 GMT

In the October ’24 issue of Modern Work Truck Solutions, we follow the story of a large utility facing mounting pressure to manage a fleet of EVs with less than adequate infrastructure. With the time it would take to install new stations being an obstacle, the team took a creative approach by testing Viatec’s SmartPX All-Electric Genset technology in a way it had never been before. Through this process, they discovered a new approach to EV support—while still using the resources they had on hand.

Want to see what they achieved? Read the full article to discover how this fleet took SmartPX to the next level.

Read The Article

Four Ways SmartPX EV Boost Revs Your Fleet’s Path to Electrification | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 23:05:28 GMT

With projections indicating there will be 26.4 million EVs on the road by 2030, and fleets facing increasing pressure to electrify, finding technology that can drive your next steps toward electrification is incredibly important. In our recent webinar, we discussed the state of fleet electrification, and especially the persistent challenge of finding enough charging infrastructure to ensure smooth operations. We also touched on how our SmartPX EV Boost system can support fleets as they navigate the transition and have collected the key ways this particular solution can empower your fleet to reduce emissions and smooth the path toward further electrification.

SmartPX EV Boost addresses two of electrification’s biggest obstacles: Charging infrastructure and range anxiety

As our VP of sales Anjali Deodhar explained during the webinar, EV adoption and overall electrification are both accelerating rapidly. But even as new EVs hit the market and sales continue to grow, worries about max range and charging infrastructure persist. And since an EV you can’t charge is an EV you can’t drive, it’s hard to argue with the concern!

SmartPX EV Boost takes this worry off the table by providing mobile, in-field charging capabilities. This extends the range of EVs, enables them to complete their tasks, and provides an easy solution if a driver ever needs a bit of extra juice to get them where they’re going. It’s the perfect supporting piece for your further electrification efforts. (Electric Vehicles for Fleets | U.S. DOE)

SmartPX EV Boost is modular and configurable so you can tailor its functionality to your specific needs

Every fleet is different, which means every fleet has different charging needs. That’s why the SmartPX EV Boost system is designed for maximum versatility with a modular system that can adapt to the distinctive demands of your fleet. Each Boost module acts as a separate Level 2 EV charger, and can easily be installed together on a trailer. Each module on the trailer is interconnected, so the power draw is distributed efficiently across every EV you’re charging.

SmartPX EV Boost is a flexible multi-purpose solution that can support multiple electrification objectives

Supporting your everyday charging infrastructure with a mobile option like SmartPX Boost is a huge advantage in its own right, but the benefits are even greater thanks to the system’s versatility. In addition to EV charging, SmartPX can be used as a standalone power source for any task that would typically require a diesel generator. Not only does this allow fleets to reduce their idle time, it provides a clean source of energy to power work functions and create a healthier, more pleasant jobsite for your team. (Global EV Outlook 2023 – Analysis – IEA)

SmartPX EV Boost is a future-proof bridge technology

Using Smart PX Boost can enable fleets to bring more EVs into their fleet sooner than existing charging infrastructure allows. In other words, just like Viatec’s other equipment-plus electrification solutions, Smart PX Boost supports fleets as they work towards emissions targets through affordable, incremental progress.

Smart PX Boost, just like our other technologies, will keep delivering value even after the rest of the world catches up with your electrification progress. Once your fleet has access to robust charging infrastructure, your Smart PX modules can be redeployed to support your operations in other ways. Whether that means powering equipment at work sites or providing auxiliary power, the system can easily flex to meet your evolving needs. (Charging ahead: Electric-vehicle infrastructure demand | McKinsey)

Conclusion

Electrification is an ongoing and unavoidable reality, which gives fleet managers an incredible opportunity to show leadership and innovative thinking within their organizations. As we’ve outlined above, game-changing solutions like Smart PX Boost are a great way to make rapid progress toward institutional goals that might otherwise be out of reach. If you’d like to hear more about the system and how it can support your operations, watch a full recording of the webinar or schedule a demo to see how our technology can complement your fleet’s electrification strategy.

Navigating the EV Infrastructure Gap: Innovative Solutions for Today's Fleets | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:01:23 GMT

In a world quickly racing to electrify every mile driven, it is critical to consider whether the systems supporting this transition are ready for prime time.

The EV market in the US has exploded in recent years, with huge increases in the number of models introduced by car manufacturers and the total number of EVs bought by consumers.

The Explosive Growth in EV Sales

Rising fuel prices and environmental concerns, paired with new regulations and incentives, are playing a major role in driving growth. It took eight years to reach the milestone of 1 million EVs sold in 2018. The second million were sold by 2021 – only three years later (Electric Transportation | EEI).

Today, upwards of 1 million EVs are forecasted to be sold yearly, with adoption continuing to accelerate. In 2022, the Edison Electric Institute estimated that there would be a staggering 26.4 million EVs on US roads by 2030, with annual sales of nearly 5.6 million. That would account for nearly 32 percent of all light-duty vehicles sold (IEI 2022 Annual Report).

The Role of Investor-Owned Utilities and Public Power Authorities

One major source for this growth has been investor-owned utilities and public power authorities that operate large fleets of light-duty vehicles. Over the past few years, market pressures, consumer feedback, regulatory changes, and available incentives have driven many organizations to make ambitious sustainability and emissions reduction commitments (NREL).

To meet these goals, they’ve swapped out most—if not all—of their combustion-powered light-duty vehicles for EVs. Further electrification of medium and heavy-duty fleets has slowed somewhat by a more limited variety of EV models on the market. Still, options are expanding quickly in both pick-up and delivery and the vocational work-truck segment. Through all this, the challenge has been and continues to be finding adequate and convenient charging infrastructure for these EVs.

The Challenges of Insufficient Charging Infrastructure

Unlike conventional vehicles, which can only refuel at gas stations or fuel depots, EVs can charge at home, work, or public spaces. EVs can also use multiple types of charging equipment, such as charging stations or charging ports. While this variety is helpful, it can muddy the waters for EV owners and operators. As EV fleets grow, utilities face inevitable challenges around how, when, and where to charge their vehicles (US Department of Energy).

By now, the challenges are well documented; specifically, there is a lack of physical infrastructure and charging capacity. Committing to EVs is a fraught proposition until chargers are geographically ubiquitous, reliable, and consistently working. And while there is an obvious solution—expanding the infrastructure to meet the growing demand—it’s not simple to execute.

The Investment and Geographical Issues

First and foremost, building infrastructure requires a significant investment of time and funds. Even as IOUs and PPAs race to finish new infrastructure projects, the growth in EVs is still fast, outpacing the number of chargers available. The geographical issue is significant as well; a charging network that’s out of range for fleet EVs is of no use, and so far, investment in this infrastructure is concentrated on the coasts (IEA Global EV Outlook Report).

Ensuring enough power and enough infrastructure in the right place is a particularly acute problem for utility fleets, as it relates directly to their primary business. Projections indicate that the power necessary for EV charging could make up more than 25% of electricity demand by 2050. That would make it the largest source of new load growth grid operators already facing concerns about capacity, reliability, and sustainability in a changing climate (The U.S. power grid isn’t ready for climate change).

Short-Term Solutions and Long-Term Opportunities

For utilities then, the question is how to bridge the gap until a more robust charging network and increased grid capacity come online. One solution is to build a fleet that includes a healthy mix of ZEVs and PHEVs. Another easy, scalable and immediate solution is investing in ‘equipment-plus electrification’ with technologies like Viatec’s SmartPX, SmartPTO, and SmartAPU. These drop-in upgrades let you decarbonize your work functions without depending on underdeveloped charging infrastructure. Instead, they replace the need to power equipment by idling a fleet’s engine at the jobsite with electric alternatives that can be recharged with a standard wall outlet. (Viatec)

The increased availability of ‘Mobile Power Solutions’ (MPSs) in recent months presents another alternative for fleet managers. MPSs are essentially battery banks of various sizes that can be driven or towed to locations where charging requirements exist. They’re available in a variety of sizes, ranging from large half-megawatt DC Fast Chargers to large hydrogen or fuel-cell powered charging stations, plus several more options in between. MPSs are convenient in that they make charging available at remote locations and circumvent the lengthy and laborious processes of infrastructure development. However, many of them are high-cost on their own, while other options rely on nascent technology that hasn’t been field tested extensively.

Additional Benefits of Equipment-Plus Electrification

Compared to the expensive and unwieldy in-field mobile power solutions available, Viatec’s SmartPX Mobile Power Solution stands out as an easily configurable, cost-effective option that relies on proven technology and can be transported with ease. The SmartPX Mobile Power Solution builds on the proven SmartPX generator set (genset) product family and provides a reliable, efficient, and versatile power solution for modern fleets.

Moreover, as charging infrastructure catches up to demand and there’s less critical need for large mobile charging solutions, the SmartPX Mobile Power system can simply be disassembled into its individual elements, which can be used as electric gensets on their own.

Federal Support for Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

In the long term, IOUS and PPAs have significant support for their large-scale infrastructure projects. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are pumping a huge sum of money into decarbonization projects, creating a major source of funding for utilities, commercial entities, and state and local governments that want to upgrade their grids and charging infrastructure. (White House Fact Sheet).

Provisions for Electric Transportation

Several provisions in these recently passed bills are specifically focused on electric transportation, including up to $7.5 billion in funding for EV charging infrastructure, $5 billion for electric school buses, and $5.6 billion for electric transit buses. These funds represent a new level of investment into EV charging that is being leveraged nationwide, building out the necessary support for the market’s growth all across the country. (EEI).

Navigating the Challenges Ahead

While there are still challenges ahead – not least the labyrinth of paperwork and agency approvals awaiting any utility that tries to access federal funding – the momentum of electrification is undeniable. Utilities have the option to make immediate progress on their decarbonization goals with equipment-plus solutions, pursue vehicle-first electrification, and invest in charging infrastructure to support their fleet. Either way, the need to reduce emissions and improve sustainability will continue to define fleet operations for the foreseeable future.

Start Your Path to Electrification Now

Viatec’s equipment-plus solutions enable you to meet sustainability goals, reduce emissions, and improve jobsite quality of life—all while leveraging your existing fleet. Explore our solutions and calculate your potential savings with our free idling calculator.

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Here’s How Many States Have Idling Laws in 2024 | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:49:59 GMT

We’ve mapped out Idling Laws by State, updated with fresh data for 2024

Given today’s rapidly shifting regulatory landscape, it can be hard to keep track of just how many states have idling laws. Multiple states are considering changes to their idling laws for 2024, most significantly Washington, which is preparing to adopt its first idling regulation. To avoid breaking the law–and potentially racking up hefty fines–fleet managers and drivers need to stay ahead of these changes. While some states offer an exemption for idling to power auxiliary equipment or perform work functions, it is still essential for operators to stay on top of local regulations.

Fortunately, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has created a comprehensive reference of how many states have idling laws. According to their latest update, 31 states and the District of Columbia currently regulate how much time trucks can spend idling, although a few of those laws are limited to specific counties or municipalities. We’ve created the helpful infographic below as an at-a-glance overview of idling laws by state in 2024.

Mapping Truck Idling Laws by State

As you can see from the map, the patchwork of idling laws varies from state to state; some cities and counties even have distinct idling laws that supersede the statewide regulations. If you’d rather not keep track of the varying idling laws by state, it could be worth exploring other ways to power your work equipment. Viatec makes a range of electrified options that make it easy to perform work functions without idling engines. See the full range at our products page.

If you’d like to learn more about the potential pitfalls of letting your engines idle, check out our idling calculator. It shows just how much it’s costing you to power work equipment with truck engines, and how much you could save by switching to an ePTO solution.

Resources: For more in-depth information on idling laws, including specifics about possible exemptions and potential fines, check out the American Transportation Research Institute. They offer a downloadable overview of current idling laws in two formats: an overall compendium and individual cab-cards for each state or region.

The compendium includes convenient links to relevant legislation, so you can examine the specific language of each rule. The cab cards are an on-the-go resource that lets you keep the law – and the penalties for violating it – close at hand. You can find both at their site.

Viatec's ePTOs Featured by Transport Topics | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:34:41 GMT

Exciting times at Viatec as Transport Topics shines a spotlight on the growing demand for electric Power Takeoff (ePTO) systems in the vocational work truck industry.

The article highlights Duke Energy’s experience of going electric with Viatec, operating nearly 150 trucks equipped with our SmartPTO units. Duke’s former Director of Fleet Design and Technical services, Mike Allison, says, “the fuel consumption savings were immediately noticeable,” emphasizing not just the financial return but the substantial reduction in carbon emissions. Allison also mentions how work site conditions were measurably improved without the noise pollution and fumes of the running diesel engine. “You don’t hear the rumble of the engine.”

Another case study featured in the article is Apex, N.C., where Viatec’s product was tested on three vocational trucks for a year. The city saved ~$15,000 in fuel and reduced carbon emissions by 27.5 tons, contributing to the municipality’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

Eric Neumann, the city’s Director of Electric Utilities, also notes the safety benefits of an ePTO. Without the noise from a running diesel engine, “communication with the ground crew and the bucket operator is amazing,” according to Neumann. “Better communication greatly reduces incidents resulting from misunderstanding.”

“Just as EVs have made huge strides in recent years, electrified tools and the PTOs that power them for everyday tasks in vocational work environments have advanced tremendously.”
Mark Ferri, President, CEO and Executive Chairman of Viatec

As the industry moves towards electrification, Viatec’s solutions offer a practical, impactful way to meet sustainability targets today. With more than 400 of our SmartPTO units installed and operating in the field today, we’re leading the charge for the electric future of vocational trucks.

For more insights on ePTO systems and Viatec’s pivotal role in the industry, watch the video below and check out the full article on Transport Topics.

Viatec Secures Third Investment from South Carolina Research Authority | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 01:15:56 GMT

We are thrilled to announce a third round of funding from SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority! This investment, totaling $300,000 (and more than $800,000 since 2017) underscores a significant vote of confidence from our home state in our journey to expand the impact of our systems.

“Viatec is an exemplary company offering innovative and sustainable products and services. Their superior customer service rounds out a company positioned for continued growth in the auxiliary power industry,”
SCRA President and CEO Bob Quinn

“Our continued success is due to trusted partners like the teams at SCRA and SC Launch Inc. They’ve been with us for many years as we’ve refined and grown our product offerings,” added Mark Ferri, our President and CEO. “This investment will allow us to continue scaling to make our solutions available to more utility fleets and other customers.”

We’re grateful to SCRA for their ongoing commitment to our work and their belief in our vision of a clean, electrified future. We are excited about the opportunities this new investment brings and look forward to sharing our continued progress.

For more details, read the full SCRA funding release below.

Read the full press release

Ready to Electrify Your Fleet? Kickstart Your Planning Process With These Three Simple Steps | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:01:00 GMT

Enhance your fleet electrification planning with our equipment-plus strategy.

A simple fleet electrification planning framework for utilities

Managing a fleet of work trucks is a complex operation with a lot of moving parts, so it makes sense that transitioning the entire operation to electric power can feel daunting. You have to take all those moving parts and change what makes them move!

That’s part of why we believe equipment-plus is the best way to electrify your fleet. You can read the full details on the advantages of equipment-plus electrification in our blog post on the subject; the short version is that in many cases, electrifying work functions is faster, simpler, and more cost-effective than purchasing an entire fleet of EVs.

So fleet managers can understand whether equipment-plus makes sense for them, we developed a simple, three-step framework for fleet electrification. If you’re wondering whether equipment-plus could work for your fleet, read on.

1. Understand Why You Want to Electrify Your Fleet

It could be to reduce costs, reduce emissions, comply with legislation, access grants, meet your organization’s decarbonization targets, or any combination of the above. Whatever your aims may be, gaining clarity on your goals will make it easier to identify the most appropriate strategy for electrification.

2. Define the Criteria for Your Goals

To know whether your fleet electrification strategy is working, you need to be able to measure success. The following criteria are some examples we’ve seen used by leading utilities. You can pick from this list, or come up with your own.

Timing – How quickly do you need to meet your electrification or decarbonization goals and targets? Are some more urgent than others?
Feasibility – How hard will it be to meet your goals? Are there solutions available on the market right now? Are some more urgent than others?
Cost – How expensive are these solutions? What is your budget?
Other factors – Which other factors would influence your decision? Some examples include crew safety, reliability, redundancy, ability to service the vehicles in-house, and the capability to operate in a disaster recovery scenario.

3. ANalyze Your Fleet Vehicles

With your goals in place and your success criteria decided, it’s time to apply them to your fleet. Take stock of how many vehicles you have, the different types, and their specific work functions. It might be beneficial to break them down into three broad categories.

Those that move while performing their role, for example, vans that carry equipment and personnel or plows that clear roads
Those that mostly idle, such as bucket trucks or digger derricks
Those that do both either in sequence or at the same time, such as earth movers.

If you have even a few that spend most of their time idle during work functions, it is likely worth exploring an equipment-plus electrification plan rather than pursuing a fully electric fleet.

Ready to electrify your fleet?

At this stage, you’ll know why you’re electrifying your fleet, understand how to judge success, and have a clear picture of the task ahead. The next steps will be much more specific to each fleet manager—figuring out which work functions or vehicles to prioritize, comparing various vendors, developing timelines, calculating budgets, and other tasks unique to your situation. Whatever comes next, you’ll be on your way to fielding a more sustainable fleet.

Want to see how much you could save with an equipment–plus approach? Use our free idling calculator to get a customized look at the numbers.

Download the Calculator

Is Your Fleet Electrification Strategy Missing This One Critical Element?

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:46 GMT

You can effectively electrify your fleet faster and at a lower cost by focusing on electrifying work functions along with miles driven

‘Fleet electrification’ is relevant across the transportation sector today, with reducing emissions and fossil fuel use both common fleet-wide goals. And while many focus on the environmental aspect, the truth is that there are sound business reasons to electrify your fleet; reduced costs and increased employee comfort and safety are two of the primary benefits.

While electric truck deployments by U.S. companies grew five times in 2023, the rollout of electric work trucks is moving slowly overall. This isn’t a huge surprise to those who have been paying attention. There are real challenges to the wholesale adoption of EVs, including concerns about vehicle range, limited availability of charging infrastructure and the need to integrate new vehicles into existing systems. COVID-related constraints, supply chain struggles and slow production schedules have also hampered the proliferation of EVs. Today, successful startups in the electric work truck space are still only filling orders in the low double digits.

As fleet managers look for viable electrification options, they understandably tend to focus on vehicles first. However, studies have shown that 53 percent of work trucks drive for less than four hours a day. The vast majority of a work truck’s life is spent lifting a bucket, digging a hole, mixing cement, or performing one of the other essential tasks that keep our world running smoothly. And just as EVs have made huge leaps in recent years, the electrified tools available for everyday tasks like lifting a bucket, digging a hole, or mixing cement have progressed tremendously.

Chart displays daily idle time by industry. Source: National Truck Equipment Association.

In other words, electrifying the equipment a fleet uses to perform its work can have a huge impact, even without electrifying the vehicles themselves. For utilities and other work-truck heavy fleets, that creates an opportunity. By electrifying work operations via new equipment, they can quickly and efficiently lower costs, meet emissions goals, and improve employee safety. That’s part of why approaching vehicles and equipment as distinct, but complementary elements of your fleet is essential to a well-balanced fleet electrification strategy.

Why Your Fleet Electrification Strategy Should Consider Vehicles AND Equipment

The traditional approach to fleet efficiency centers on improving fuel efficiency in the form of miles per gallon – or ‘driving efficiency.’ In other words, the best way to improve fleet efficiency is by buying more efficient vehicles. Based on this line of thinking, electric vehicles are the most efficient option and the first priority in most electrification strategies.

Utilities and other large fleets that view electrification through the lens of driving efficiency alone may miss a key opportunity to reduce their emissions. That’s because most work trucks are on the road for only a small portion of the day; their main purpose is to carry people and equipment to and from a job site. While the work is being done, they’re largely stationary.

For example, according to data from Ultimarc, the average heavy-duty bucket truck drives 9,283 miles per year (based on benchmark data from 2010-2014). That’s substantially less than other fleet vehicle categories.

Typical heavy-duty bucket trucks travel fewer miles per year compared to other vehicle categories. Source: Curve Ahead: The Future of Fleet Electrification

In other words, assets like bucket trucks are equipment first and vehicles second. In recent months, fleets have added the newly available all-electric options of work trucks, such as all-EV bucket trucks into their fleets. While these additions contribute significantly to the fleet’s electrification portfolio, there are opportunities to complement such all-electric acquisitions by considering the electrification (upfit or retrofit) of the work operations of the existing fleet.

If you’re only thinking about electrifying the entire truck, you’re missing a huge opportunity. You can complement purchases of newly available work vehicles like all-EV bucket trucks with electric upfits and retrofits of existing fleet assets. It’s a quick, easy way to increase efficiency and reduce emissions in parallel with larger acquisitions.

The key is to think of electrification from the equipment down to the vehicle, rather than from the vehicle up to the equipment. Approaching vehicles and the functions they perform as separate but complementary opportunities adds a huge amount of flexibility to your electrification plan.

Equipment-first is the smart, fast way to enhance fleet electrification

A vehicle-first approach demands a significant investment, likely requiring lengthy approval and procurement processes. If you lead with equipment, you may be able to start electrification immediately.

For instance, a utility with a fleet of several hundred diesel-fueled bucket trucks could upgrade these vehicles with electric Power take-off units (ePTOs) in a single day for a fraction of the cost of full EVs. In one fell swoop, this would electrify the work operation – and therefore the primary function – of its existing fleet assets. With every truck that is moved to the ‘electrified work operations’ column – whether via upfit, retrofit, or new EV purchase – the fleet gets closer to meeting its electrification, emissions, and cost reduction goals.

There are other benefits as well. Equipment electrification substantially reduces engine maintenance costs if you have trucks that mostly idle while working. Every hour a truck spends idling is equivalent to 30 driven miles – a 30 miles worth of wear and tear on the engine. Electrifying the work function reduces idling and enhances the life of the truck.

Leading utilities have shared other reasons for electrifying their work operations:

While all-electric medium to heavy-duty work trucks are increasingly available, the options are still limited and supply chains are still catching up.
Electrifying equipment is always cheaper than replacing an entire vehicle.
Savings on fuel and maintenance are realized faster.
The internal rate of return (IRR) is higher and the payback times are shorter, making it easier to meet utilities’ internal investment criteria.
While there are hybrid solutions available in the market that are consistent with the old paradigm of the chassis powering the equipment, newer, more flexible technologies – namely electric power take-off units, or ePTOs – can readily electrify the equipment, separately from the chassis.
Some of those existing solutions can be upfitted or retrofitted in a couple of days, rather than having to wait for months or potentially years to get a solution as part of a new truck.
Some electric solutions are separate from the vehicle, so they:
- can operate separately from the truck, and you can switch operating modes from electric to chassis engine-driven when required.
- can be charged using a standard power outlet and don’t require a complex charging infrastructure.
- can be retrofitted and installed independently of the buying and selling cycles for work trucks.
- don’t impact the resale value of the truck as they can be removed before the sale; if anything, the resale value increases as the engine idles less in its lifetime.

Enhance your fleet’s electrification strategy by electrifying work functions!

There’s no doubt that fleet electrification is the way forward for utilities.

After all, the transportation sector contributes the largest portion of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at 28 percent, according to the U.S. EPA., with the medium-and heavy-duty truck sector responsible for 23 percent of those emissions. And the policies that demand reduction in those numbers aren’t going anywhere.

It’s clear that beyond the obvious strategy of acquiring new all-electric vehicles, smart fleet managers should embrace technology solutions that electrify the large share of their fleet that spends more time idling than driving. Those who do can start electrifying their fleets sooner, less intrusively, and at a lower cost.

Wondering how much you could save with an equipment-plus fleet electrification strategy? Download our free idling calculator to see the numbers.

Download the calculator to work out fuel savings, reduction in maintenance costs and ROI depending on your fleet size with SmartPTO.

Download the Calculator

Viatec's ePTO Systems Spotlighted by Terex as a Way To Eliminate Range Anxiety | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 21:22:17 GMT

We were recently featured in an industry article on best practices for converting utility fleets to electric vehicles (EVs). Published on Terex’s Utility Pros blog, the piece provides guidance to utilities seeking to meet aggressive sustainability targets over the next decade.

We are highlighted for our innovative electric power take-off (ePTO) systems that eliminates idling by providing clean, electric power for upfits utilizing hydraulics for work on medium and heavy-duty chassis. Specifically, the article recommends the HyPower SmartPTO system we released with partner Terex Utilities.

As quoted by Terex’s Director of Marketing, Joe Caywood: “We developed a solution that provides the maximum chassis range while powering the aerial separately. The HyPower SmartPTO by Viatec offers 28 kWh to operate the boom for a full workday without drawing power from the chassis batteries.”

By allowing vehicles to switch to electric power for equipment operation, our custom SmartPTO units help transform fleet sustainability, without compromising performance. Caywood notes that there is no loss of driving range, and trucks can fulfill all hydraulic functions emission-free thanks to the self-contained ePTO system.

At Viatec, we are proud to innovate alongside partners like Terex, James A Kiley, and Versalift to make commercial EV adoption easier. As leaders in sustainable fleet electrification, we look forward to supporting many more fleets with clean, electric power.

Read the full article here

Viatec's SmartPTO Spotlighted in Modern Work Truck Solutions | Viatec

Sue-Ellen Lamb — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:30:27 GMT

We’re excited to see Viatec’s SmartPTO featured in the September edition of Modern Work Truck Solutions. Our game-changing SmartPTO is redefining the standards for utility fleets, marrying environmental stewardship with robust performance.

The insightful article by Tracy Bennett highlights how SmartPTO overcomes traditional ePTO challenges—delivering reliability and seamless integration into fleet operations without the carbon footprint.

“Stories of unworkable trucks at jobsites and constant technical issues permeated the industry, souring most companies on the concept, but in a month’s time, the investor-owned utilities’ crews reported that [Viatec’s] SmartPTO matched the truck’s PTO performance and claimed ‘it’s reliable’ and ‘always works,’”
– Tracy Bennett

For a quick dive into how Viatec is leading the charge in eco-friendly fleet innovation, check out the piece in Modern Work Truck Solutions.

Read the full article here