March 19, 2024

PEOPLE -- PROFIT -- PLANET

Sustainable Florida Best Practices Awards Program

Sponsored by The Council for Sustainable Florida

| 10/1/2007


People

Profit

Planet
Large Business Best Practice Award

Florida Power and Light Company

Hybrid vehicles are gaining popularity as passenger cars and light trucks. But what about hybrid-powered engines for huge, multi-ton vehicles?

FP&L truck
FPL’s hybrid large truck engines use 55% less fuel. [Photo courtesy Florida Power and Light]


Florida Power and Light Company (FPL), the largest electric utility in Florida, operates a fleet of 3,600 vehicles and uses approximately 2.5 million gallons of diesel fuel per year.

George Survant, Director of Fleet Services for FPL, initiated the development of a Hybrid Utility Truck Working Group with WestStart/CALSTART, a non-profit organization that helps companies clean the air, lesson dependence on foreign oil and reduce climate change impact.

The Working Group, which included thirteen utilities from around the country, issued an industry-wide request for proposals for a hybrid large truck engine that would perform identically to existing trucks while reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and providing on-board electrical power generation.

FPL took possession of three trucks from the Army’s National Automotive Center. The impact was immediate. The hybrids, fueled by B20 (20% biodiesel fuel produced from soybeans), showed a 55.3% reduction in fuel consumption as a well as significant emissions-reduction benefits.

Another important feature of the hybrid system is that when the trucks reach the work site, the hybrid system can power the hydraulic pump that operates the aerial device and its tools for up to two hours without running the engine. It is this ability to shut down the engine that helps the truck cut fuel use so significantly.

FPL and its utility partners are committed to advocating the use and advancement of hybrid technology on the state and national levels.

What can you do?

  • “Green” your fleet with electric, hybrid, flex fuel and high mpg vehicles where possible.
  • Encourage and provide premium parking for carpool, hybrid and ride sharing employees.
  • Permit and encourage telecommuting.
  • Support funding for mass transit.
  • Ride a bike or walk for short errands.

Tags: Environment

Florida Business News

Florida News Releases

Florida Trend Video Pick

Incoming income tax instructor indicated
Incoming income tax instructor indicated

Affordable housing remains an issue; Income tax guidance on its way; What's in the 2024 budget; A mysterious threat to endangered sea life; Bass Pro Shops founder's "Florida Dream"

 

Video Picks | Viewpoints@FloridaTrend

Ballot Box

Should Congress ban the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S.?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Need more details
  • What is TikTok?
  • Other (Comment below)

See Results

Florida Trend Media Company
490 1st Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727.821.5800

© Copyright 2024 Trend Magazines Inc. All rights reserved.