Dominion is operating two hybrid bucket trucks that use battery power both for driving and for operating the bucket. The truck's diesel engine provides power to recharge the batteries and run far less often than that of a standard truck, producing lower emissions and less noise.Dominion Virginia Power is taking steps to reduce vehicle emissions, conserve fossil fuel and contribute to quieter on-location work environments by adding hybrids to its vehicle fleet.
The company is adding plug-in electric hybrid cars and hybrid-powered bucket trucks to a fuel-diverse fleet that includes vehicles powered by natural gas and by biofuel.
The performance of the plug-in hybrids is being monitored electronically.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Idaho National Laboratories will analyze the data as part of a larger study in conjunction with DOE’s study of modified hybrid vehicles.
Toyota Prius hybrids Two Toyota Prius hybrids have been equipped with additional high-technology batteries that significantly increase fuel efficiency by providing up to a 30-mile, battery-only driving range under average operating conditions.
Dominion will use the information to assess and prepare to meet any additional demand for electricity caused by the growing popularity of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Videos/Images
View videos and high-resolution images of our hybrid vehicles:
Dominion Virginia Power's new hybrid trucks and all on-road diesel trucks operate on a blend of 80 percent diesel fuel and 20 percent biofuel produced in Virginia from soy. The company uses approximately 1.7 million gallons of biofuel per year in 783 trucks.
Dominion’s natural gas utilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio operate approximately 300 natural gas-fueled cars and trucks and will be expanding this fleet in 2009.
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