CNV gets first zero-emission truck
Vehicle allowed on city streets by new bylaw
Benjamin Alldritt, North Shore News
Published: Wednesday, July 29, 2009THE City of North Vancouver has purchased its first electric vehicle, a small dump truck called the Might-E Truck.
"It's completely electric," said Mike Hunter, city environment and parks manager. "We purchased it to replace a diesel-powered all-terrain vehicle, so we estimate we'll save about 500 litres of fuel each year and 1.4 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions."
The truck meets the federal government's definition of a Neighbourhood Zero Emission Vehicle, or NZEV. North Vancouver city council voted in April to allow NZEVs in the city. The Might-E Truck is the first one to receive a permit.
View Larger ImageNorth Vancouver City Mayor Darrell Mussatto and Coun. Bob Fearnley show off the municipality's first electric vehicle. The $28,000 "Might-E Truck" has a top speed of 40 kilometres per hour.
NEWS photo Cindy Goodman
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During the council debate, councillors voiced some concern about the safety of putting slow-moving vehicles into traffic.
The Might-E Truck, however, will be used for earth moving at the city's cemetery, where its 40-kilometre-per-hour top speed won't cause traffic problems.
"It's a good fit for the cemetery," Hunter said. "But we are also looking at using them for bylaw enforcement and other slow-speed work. We are early adopters, and I'm convinced as the technology improves we'll find more and more uses for them."
While the electric truck is legal on the city's streets, the District of North Vancouver has yet to follow suit, meaning the vehicle has to be loaded onto a conventional truck to leave the cemetery.
Built in Edmonton, the Might-E Truck sells for $28,000, slightly less than the vehicle it replaces. It carries one tonne of cargo, can be charged from a regular 110V outlet and has a two-day battery life.
The City of North Vancouver has operated hybrid vehicles since 2003 and also participated in a hydrogen truck pilot program.
"We're always looking to try new stuff and find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Hunter. "I think that's one of the roles of local government."