A custom-made, fully electric heavy truck being used by Blacktown City Council is delivering more efficient and environmentally-friendly services for the community while setting new standards in innovation.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said this was a brilliant example of Council delivering the community's vision of a low emissions city.
"Council staff have worked with our industry partners and produced a vehicle that has made mowing and maintaining our parks easier and more efficient, while minimising impact on the environment," he said.
Council worked with Volvo Group Australia and body manufacturer Austec Fabrications to design and produce the manufacturer's first zero-emissions Beavertail truck, which staff have named 'Cleopatra'.
Council staff are using the 27 tonne vehicle to replace two ageing diesel trucks and two trailers and more efficiently carry mowers and tractors to parks and reserves.
Cleopatra does not require expensive diesel fuel and eliminates the maintenance challenges of four separate vehicles.
"Cleopatra is just one part of the work underway to transition Council's fleet and operations to a greener, cleaner future," Mayor Bunting said.
Council uses 100 per cent green power throughout its operations.
Being electric, Cleopatra is also quieter. This minimises disturbance to the community.
Council staff analysed telematics data and used 3D design to produce custom-designed features with Austec Fabrications.
A key feature is the truck's solar panel. This powers a battery dedicated to the retractable ramp, used to load and unload machinery. This battery reduces load on the vehicle battery.
Cleopatra has a range of 270km after charging at Council's Rooty Hill depot. This is more than enough to serve an area approximately 20km wide.
The truck body design also overcomes the challenges of a low-loading vehicle and heavy machinery, while meeting safety standards. This includes the loading ramp having a 'cut-out' section, eliminating the risk of mower blades striking the ramp on entry.
Cleopatra is also being used to carry a range of supplies and equipment between Council sites.
Cleopatra's success shows Council continues to innovate to deliver more efficient service to the community and is well on the way to creating a cleaner and greener future.
This is in keeping with the community's vision of a low emissions city, outlined in the Community Strategic Plan 'Our Blacktown 2041'.
Cleopatra specifications
Chassis: Volvo FE
Range: 270km
Carry capacity: 10 to 14 tonnes
Motor: electric
Time to charge: 6 hrs
