MaxiMetal has delivered its first of 10 electric utility trucks to Hydro Quebec.
The new walk-in utility vehicle is based on an International eMV electric truck chassis and features an electric drive motor provided by Hydro Quebec subsidiary, TM4, and a battery capacity of more than 215 km.
“Decarbonization has become a major priority for our customers, and we are excited to expand our product offerings with these new electric utility vehicles,” said Christopher Sapienza, MaxiMetal’s Director of Sales and Marketing.
“There are now several options for electric truck chassis in the market, making it possible for us to design and build solutions tailored to our customer’s needs. Hydro Quebec is the perfect customer for us to begin collaborating with on these new electrified products.”
Hydro Quebec’s MaxiMetal walk-in service truck model features a 6.1 metres custom-designed service body including heat and air conditioning along with a severe-duty polyurethane insulation package for extreme climates.
The truck upfit will include gear lockers, tool chests and workbenches, as well as a nose-cone and cab cut-out design for direct access to the service area without having to exit the vehicle. The truck design has been in development for 15 months to ensure they meet their operational goals.
Hydro Quebec production
Hydro Quebec’s power production spans 62 generating stations, more than 33,700 km of high-voltage lines, and more than 106,000 km of distribution lines throughout the province. While providing electricity to the entire province, the company also exports more than 35 TWh per year to the northeast United States. To maintain the facilities and the grid, Hydro Quebec operates nearly 10,000 pieces of equipment across 35 fleet garages.
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“Our organization has grown substantially in recent years, and the trajectory of our growth will only continue, requiring additional linesman and network maintenance staff who will need service vehicles above and beyond our fleet replacement units,” said François Barrette, Director of Transportation Services for Hydro Quebec.
“We have been involved in the research and development of electric vehicles for 30 years, and we are proud to have the opportunity to integrate the International eMV commercial truck chassis in the production of our new electric walk-in utility vehicles. Our goal is to electrify and decarbonize every time we have an opportunity to do so, in every segment of our fleet.”
The first two electric Maximetal utility trucks will go into service at Hydro Quebec this spring. The company will provide eight additional units in the fall, with the expectation all 10 units will be in service before the end of the year.
Feedback from the teams will be used to optimize the truck’s design before production of the nine additional units is completed and delivered by the end of 2023.
