Breezeline has deployed the first of what it says will be a fleet of bucket trucks retrofitted with electric power. It is the first US-based cable MSO to convert a legacy, gas-powered vehicle to electric for its drivetrain and aerial truck fleet.
The company has set an ambitious plan to transition its fleet of gas-powered internal combustion engine vehicles to electric power over time by replacing end-of-life vehicles with new electric vehicles (EVs) and converting its existing fleet to electric power. ZEVX, an intelligent EV systems provider, will deploy the electric power retrofit solution for Breezeline.
ZEVX battery electric powertrain and power system products can help a company quickly migrate Class 2-5 commercial fleet assets to zero carbon using existing automotive service infrastructure. Breezeline will brand the retrofitted trucks with a green icon to indicate the vehicle’s 100% electric, zero-emission technology and to highlight the company’s environmental commitments.
“This is a major step in our commitment to reduce our operational emissions by 65% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” said Frank van der Post, president of Breezeline.
Renewable energy focus
Breezeline’s electric vehicle journey began last year when it began to deploy new electric vehicles in its sales fleet, with plans to transition technician vans and trucks to electric.
By 2030, Breezeline intends to obtain 100% of its energy consumption from renewable sources with an approved science-based emissions reduction target.
It initially deployed its first electric vehicle into what became a fleet of electric cars used by Breezeline sales teams starting in New Hampshire and West Virginia, with plans to transition technician vans and trucks to electric in the coming years.
The company’s efforts highlight transportation’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for the most significant portion (27%) of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions (based on 2020 data).
A multi-faceted plan
Breezeline’s move to transition its aerial truck fleet to electric vehicles and use renewable energy sources is part of a multi-faceted plan to reduce negative environmental impacts.
Other Breezeline initiatives designed to reduce the company’s environmental impacts include:
Reduce emissions: The company plans to reduce non-operational emissions by 30%. This includes reducing the environmental impact of equipment used in customers’ homes.
Product updates: New products like IPTV, which Breezeline has recently introduced, rely on equipment that uses a fraction of the energy of traditional set-top boxes. Reducing employee commuting hours: Breezeline has introduced a FlexWork policy, which became effective this year.
Cogeco, Breezeline’s parent company, has made environmental sustainability a key area of focus. The company is ranked in the Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Companies and achieved an “A” score for its 2021 CDP Climate Change response.
Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.