Cox studies energy efficient repair truck
September 22nd, 2008, 3:49 pm · 2 Comments · posted by Ed Taylor
Cox Communication said it has started testing a new hybrid electric service truck in the Phoenix and Tucson areas.
The truck produces an average fuel economy gain of 30 to 150 percent over conventional fuel-only vehicles, the cable system operator said.
The bucket truck’s hybrid engine allows it to hoist workers aloft for up to two hours without running its diesel engine. Also the electric motor assists with horsepower while the vehicle is moving, and its regenerative braking system uses the energy of deceleration to recharge the lithium-ion battery.
Cox officials said they will test the vehicle, which is made by Eaton Corp., through the remainder of 2008. They said it could pave the way for Cox to convert its entire fleet throughout the U.S. to the energy-efficient technology.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
So, since Cox has explained that the reason for its lastest cable rate hike was due to high fuel costs, does this mean Cox will be lowering the cable bill after it converts “the entire fleet … to the energy-effient technology?
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Yes, they had to do the study so the rate hike funded it. Next up, another rate hike to pay for the new vehicles… They need some competition and not Qwest or satelite, but cable competition. I used to have Cableamerica and while they were small, they provided far better service and a lower price… Hey Wal Mart, wanna get into the cable business?