Canadian airport operator Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) has put its first fully electric light truck into service as part of broader initiative to improve sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. The truck was converted into an electric vehicle by local technology developer Ecotuned Automobile.
The vehicle will be used to travel around Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Quebec, to inspect runways and supervise outdoor work teams during specific activities, such as snow removal.
With a lifespan of 1,000,000km (620,000 miles), the reusable electric drive system will lower greenhouse gases by up to nine tons annually. ADM is also expected to save money in terms of the vehicle’s operating (80%) and maintenance (50%) costs.
In recent months, ADM has put in place various actions to improve its environmental record. By the fall of 2018, 56 charging terminals for electric vehicles will be made available to users, doubling the 28 currently in service. In the summer of 2018, ADM will add an eco-bus to its vehicle fleet to transport passengers to remote parking lots.
Martin Massé, vice president, public affairs, ADM, said, “Sustainable development has become an essential condition for the success of organizations and ADM is committed to this new reality. In 2017, we invested more than C$2.8m (US$2.2m) in environmental protection projects which, like this initiative, are making a difference in our day-to-day operations.”
Andy Ta, president of Ecotuned, added, “We are pleased to count ADM among the top 10 companies participating in our project to convert polluting trucks into electric vehicles. The technology that we have developed is unique in the world and combines economic profitability, technological innovation and environmental protection efforts. This contributes to sustainable development in the field of automotive transport.”