City trials electric street sweeper during two-week pilot project
Delivering on its commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action, the City of Kingston is set to trial an electric street sweeper from July 15-26, 2024. This initiative is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.
Staff pursued and were accepted to participate in Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program for On-road Transportation Decarbonization, which helps the transportation sector fund green energy projects and increase the uptake of zero-emission on-road vehicles.
As a result, City staff will be piloting the “Broom Bear” electric sweeper, in collaboration with Joe Johnson Equipment, Battle Motors and Elgin Sweepers.
“The EV Broom Bear is the first 100 per cent electric mechanical sweeper from Elgin,” says Michael Rugeroni, Vice President of FS Aftermarket at Joe Johnson Equipment. “This is only the second EV Broom Bear sweeper in operation in North America and the first in Canada. We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Kingston on this exciting initiative.”
During the trial period, select vehicle operators will be trained on how to use the equipment and will have the chance to operate the sweeper around the city.
A telematics device will collect data on energy use and performance to evaluate the success of the trial and determine the feasibility of incorporating this type of electric sweeper into the City fleet permanently.
“This is a great opportunity for the City to test out zero-emissions equipment as we work towards greening our fleet and reducing our carbon footprint,” says Brent Fowler, the City’s Director of Corporate Asset Management & Fleet. “Collaborating with industry leaders like Joe Johnson Equipment, Battle Motors and Elgin Sweepers ensures that we are at the forefront of technological advancement in sustainable city operations. We look forward to evaluating the performance of the EV Broom Bear and its impact on our environmental goals.”
Operator feedback and data collected through this trial will also help inform government, industry and vehicle manufacturers on future design changes and adoption challenges.
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Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
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The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
