Event: City of Los Angeles Taking Green To the Streets

Roush F-650 EV; Elgin PHEV Street Sweepers; Beam Charging

The route to electrification is now going through the City of Los Angeles. The month the city’s Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) showed off a variety of vehicles and technologies it plans to employ to green the city not just with trees and bushes but also with green vehicles charged with renewable energy.

The department opened its Center for Green innovation in the San Fernando Valley and showcased two plug-in hybrid street sweepers, a battery electric Class 6 truck and innovative solar charging to mark the opening.

“Los Angeles is a laboratory for innovation and new technology–a place that is always guiding the future,” LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said at the opening. “With this new hybrid street sweeper we take another big step forward in achieving our goals of cleaner and greener streets, healthier communities and a more sustainable future for all Angelenos.”

Rocking Plug-Ins

The plug-in hybrid Elgin Broom Bear sweepers already have nicknames–borrowed from the Australian hard rock band AC/DC–Angus and Malcolm. The company says they provide the same sweeping performance as a non-hybrid model, but have a lower noise level and use “dramatically less fuel.” Like an automotive PHEV, the sweeper transitions from electric to conventional motivation seamlessly.

LA City Councilman Paul Krekorian and Congressman Tony CardenasIt uses a lithium-ion battery designed for long duty cycle operation and can charge using the same J1772 charging receptacle as found on most light-duty vehicles. The Broom Bear’s engine is either diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG).

Also a part of the Center showcase was a Roush CleanTech Ford F-650, a full battery electric truck capable of performance comparable to a gas or diesel model. It uses the same J1772 charging system as the sweepers and can handle up to a 14,500-pound payload.   

The F-650 features a powertrain that delivers 335 horsepower and 1,844 pound-feet of torque over 100 miles of range. The truck’s 165 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery uses nickel-magnesium-cobalt chemistry. It complies with all applicable vehicle Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Specifications (FMVSS) requirements, and adheres to the California Zero Emissions Powertrain certification program. Additionally, it has a maximum speed of 65 mph.

The F-650 features a powertrain that delivers 335 horsepower and 1,844 pound-feet of torque over 100 miles of range. The truck’s 165 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery uses nickel-magnesium-cobalt chemistry. It complies with all applicable vehicle Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Specifications (FMVSS) requirements, and adheres to the California Zero Emissions Powertrain certification program. Additionally, it has a maximum speed of 65 mph.

Charging on Sunshine

Beam Global displayed its EV ARC Beam Solar Charging Canopy, which the city will deploy in StreetsLA locations without having to worry about grid connections, electrical upgrades or construction costs. The EV ARC system generates and stores its own electricity from its solar panels.

An optional Emergency Power Panel can provide power to first responders in an emergency or grid outage. The whole system is transportable and can be relocated to places as needed.

“Expanding the use of electric vehicles to reduce our reliance on gas-fueled vehicles will benefit all of Los Angeles, as our street sweepers and…electric trucks clean our city while reducing greenhouse gases at the same time,” said Board of Public Works Commissioner Teresa Villegas. Other speakers at the event included Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian and Congressman Tony Cardenas.

More News on these players:

Roush: The Current State of Propane & Electric Vehicles

Beam (formerly Envision Solar): Solar Road Trip