Jefferson County, Colorado Invests in International Hybrid Snowplow

As the winter season descends upon the United States, Jefferson County (Colorado) is infusing green technology into its snowplow fleet. The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners unveiled a 2009 International Model 7300 Hybrid dump truck with plow as the first major snowstorm swept through the area. This hybrid snowplow joins the county's 130-plow fleet as a test model for future hybrid purchases. Jefferson County has already invested in 11 hybrid cars and trucks for its vehicle fleet.

The 2009 International Model 7300 Hybrid is projected to get up to 10 miles per gallon during typical operation. The commission notes that its trucks typically get around five miles per gallon, which would mean a doubling of fuel mileage with the hybrid plow. The hybrid drive system is projected to produce 65% less emissions than its traditional counterparts. Jefferson County officials plan to use this hybrid snowplow on high-traffic residential streets where frequent stops are offset by higher fuel mileage.

The county's first hybrid snowplow cost $162,240, which is about a $20,000 increase compared to the typical county plow. The plow is expected to make up for the $20,000 premium in fuel expenses alone within its first 90,000 miles according to county officials. Jefferson County has already stated that successful performance in this year's winter storms will likely lead to additional purchases of hybrid snowplows.

The Fleet Services Division of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners spent two years trying to outfit this hybrid truck for snowplowing duties. One criticism of the International Model 7300 Hybrid is that it is a two-wheel drive instead of an all-wheel drive. This limitation may diminish the vehicle's performance in particularly bad storms. Jefferson County also had trouble outfitting the vehicle with a snowplow and controls, which may present mechanical problems during its initial routes. In the end, however, Jefferson County is making the right move in making its fleet vehicles greener.

The hybrid snowplow and other hybrid vehicles in the county fleet are part of the Renewable Energy Initiative in Jefferson County. County officials want to achieve reduced fuel and maintenance budgets, lower emissions and higher fuel mileage within its fleet. The $20,000 premium on the initial snowplow is a small price to pay when investing in a vehicle that will be used for nearly six months out of the year. Since the Fleet Services Division was willing to put the vehicle in operation after two years, we can be sure that it will stand up to the rigors of Colorado winters. The only obstacle to further hybrid purchases in Jefferson County is a tightening budget that could prevent payment of upfront costs for new vehicles.