Queen's new e-vehicle will be used by Parking.

The newest truck in the university’s fleet is green – not in colour, but in terms of its sustainable features.

“This e-vehicle in an example of Queen’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices,” says Aaron Ball, Sustainability Manager. “It’s wonderful that it can perform all of the functions we need it to in a sustainable way.”

The Greentruck EVR1000 is powered by a 72-volt lead acid battery system with a battery life of up to 50,000 kilometres. It is a crew-cab pickup truck that seats four passengers and has a utility bed for all of the university’s operational needs.

The university tested and evaluated the electric vehicle for six weeks in the summer to assess its suitability for the operating groups on campus that would use it, including Parking, Security, and Maintenance. Parking will use the new e-vehicle. As other vehicles within the three units come up for renewal, the university will consider on a case-by-case basis whether an e-vehicle would be an appropriate replacement.

Benefits of using e-vehicles instead of gas-powered vehicles include reduced CO2 emissions and lower annual fuel costs. It is anticipated that replacing just one of the traditional vehicles with an electric vehicle will result in an 80 per cent operational cost saving per vehicle per year and an annual four-tonne reduction in the campus carbon footprint.

For more information about the new e-vehicle visit the Sustainability Office website.