Xcel Energy to become first U.S. energy company to incorporate all-electric bucket trucks

When its first new truck arrives later this month, Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy will become the first electricity company in the nation to acquire all-electric bucket trucks for its fleet.

Thanks to efforts by Terex Utilities and Navistar, the delivery is being made two years ahead of industry projections. The new trucks engage two electric sources, one for the drive train and another for their lift mechanism. These components give trucks a range of 135 miles and the ability to go for a full work day on a single charge, which Xcel Energy crews will test out over a six to 12-month pilot.

“We’re proud to be the first energy company in the United States to add all-electric bucket trucks to our fleet,” Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy, said. “By adding these clean energy vehicles to our fleet, Xcel Energy is demonstrating its commitment to leading the clean energy transition by becoming a net-zero energy provider for all our customers’ energy needs – electricity, heating, and transportation, while also helping shape the electrification of the truck industry, which complements our overall vision to provide 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050.”

Currently, Xcel operates 1,000 aerial bucket trucks in its fleet. The new electric trucks will be quieter than their predecessors and entirely zero-emission. Feedback provided during their pilot use will shape the vehicles’ future dependability while resulting data could help the industry prepare for the electric vehicle transition overall.

While the first truck will arrive later this month in the Minneapolis region, a second will follow for the Denver area at the end of the year.