Currently, Clapp is researching the availability of electric vehicles beyond light-duty, which are classified as half ton or less. With nearly 200 miles of service area and over 80 miles between Northern Water’s Berthoud and Granby offices, there are some challenges with converting to heavy duty electric vehicles needed for system operations and maintenance purposes. These include range, lack of chargers in remote areas and the effect of temperatures on electric vehicle batteries, especially in the winter. Northern Water currently has two electric half-ton pickup trucks and two mid-size electric SUVs and is exploring the market for other vehicle options that meet its needs.
Northern Water has three public chargers on its Berthoud campus, and one on its Willow Creek campus. It has received grants for two charging stations that are installed in the fleet garage.
“Most utilities and similar organizations are shifting to hybrid and electric fleets,” Clapp said. “It is important to show the environmental commitment of Northern Water from an organizational perspective.”