Electric Vehicles International and PG&E to Unveil Utility Industry's First Electric Hybrid Bucket Trucks in Stockton

  September 18, 2013 /3BL Media/ -    WHAT: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Electric Vehicles International (EVI) will host a ceremony at EVI’s plant in Stockton, CA to unveil the utility industry’s first plug-in electric hybrid drivetrain Class 5 work trucks.   PG&E partnered with EVI and the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop the Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) utility truck which was designed, built and tested in the heart of California at EVI’s plant in Stockton. The REEV features an all-electric range of 45 miles and anticipated fuel savings of 30 percent when the units are operating in hybrid mode.   PG&E accepted delivery of the first two REEV units this summer, and purchased two additional units after a successful initial demonstration of the vehicles. PG&E estimates that each REEV truck will save the utility over 850 gallons of fuel per year. In addition, the vehicles are able to produce up to 75 kW of exportable power, which could be used to supply power to homes and businesses during power outages or in emergency response scenarios.   WHO • Commissioner Janea A. Scott, California Energy Commission • Ricky Hanna, President and CEO, EVI • Dave Meisel, Senior Director of Transportation & Aviation Services, PG&E • Doug Wilhoit, CEO, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce   WHEN Thursday, September 19, 2013 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Pre-event media availability, interviews, plant tours 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.: News Conference 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.: Plant tours & product demonstrations   WHERE EVI Plant, 1627 Army Court, Suite 1, Stockton, CA 95206   VISUALS • EVI/PG&E utility trucks on display and available for demonstrations • Plant tours • Speakers from the CEC, PG&E and EVI and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce   WHY The REEV vehicles manufactured by EVI for PG&E are the first electric hybrid drivetrain trouble trucks in the utility industry. By replacing all class five vehicles in its fleet with the REEV model, PG&E would save over $3 million annually in fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions by over 19 million pounds.   PG&E operates one of the greenest utility fleets in the nation, with nearly 3,500 alternative fuel vehicles. EVI is a leading manufacturer of alternative energy vehicles specializing in battery electric vehicles (BEV) and range extended electric vehicles (REEV) for multiple applications covering a diverse range of transportation options.