WAUKESHA, WI - Marshfield and Plymouth Utilities, headquartered in Wisconsin, are the first utilities in the state to own and add a plug-in hybrid utility truck to their fleets. The units are available exclusively from Wisconsin manufacturers Odyne Systems and DUECO, Inc. 

Officials from Marshfield Utilities welcomed Wisconsin's first plug-in hybrid electric bucket truck delivered in May of this year. The Odyne plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system minimizes fuel use (while driving) and emissions found in a typical bucket truck, according to the manufacturer. Batteries power all boom hydraulic functions and the climate control system for a full workday, without the use of the diesel engine. This means reduced noise from engine idle and elimination of emissions while in electric mode. 

Plymouth Utilities is the first utility nationwide to own a 4x4 plug-in hybrid digger derrick, a common piece of equipment used to dig holes and set electric poles by utility companies throughout the nation. This unit is a Terex C4047 with a full hydraulic control station at the pedestal. A foot throttle actuates the PHEV system, allowing the batteries system to turn on. The unit is equipped with a force option, only turning on the engine on if you need to dig in rough conditions. 

Both the Marshfield and Plymouth Plug-in trucks are able to recharge their battery system at night by using off-peak energy from the electricity their own utility produces. 

Design, manufacture, and assembly for both the Marshfield and Plymouth trucks were done in Waukesha, Wis.