Councils that procure high-quality fleet vehicles that pack a power punch while also reducing emissions will see significant cost savings and sustainability benefits in the long run.
Councils rely on their fleet vehicles to deliver a variety of critical services to the communities that depend on them, from cleaning and maintaining parks, gardens and other public spaces, to emergency management and disaster response.
Modern local governments are eager to reduce their emissions and meet sustainability targets, while also reducing their operating costs. When it comes to fleet vehicles, sustainability and cost cutting benefits come hand in hand. By increasing the fuel efficiency of their fleets, councils can find significant savings alongside reduced carbon emissions.
Fleet electrification is a proven method of reducing fuel consumption, resulting in positive budget and environmental outcomes. However, all-electric vehicles often don’t have the power or the versatility to complete the more demanding council jobs, such as maintenance and clean-up works.
Australia’s first hybrid ute
Great Wall Motors (GWM) has recently brought the first fully-hybrid ute to Australia, in the form of the Cannon Alpha.
The Cannon Alpha’s 2.0L turbo petrol hybrid engine delivers impressive performance whether navigating urban landscapes or more rugged terrains. The hybrid powertrain gives this ute the strength council workers need to complete jobs that require heavy equipment or difficult journeys.
Sometimes referred to as a self-charging hybrid or closed-loop hybrid, the Cannon Alpha sees its electric motor and petrol engine work in tandem to provide power, without the need for external charging.
This type of hybrid uses a combination of energy from a petrol engine and from a battery to move. At low speeds and loads the vehicle relies on its battery to drive the wheels, but when more power is required, the petrol engine seamlessly starts to provide support.
This hybrid configuration charges itself, as the engine not only drives the wheels but also charges the battery simultaneously so that, when needed, the car can switch easily back to EV mode. This, combined with ‘regenerative braking’ – wherein the system captures energy that would otherwise be wasted when slowing down – ensures best possible fuel efficiency and maximum range.
The Cannon Alpha is the first ute with this type of hybrid configuration to reach Australian markets.
Reduced emissions without sacrificing power
Without relying solely on fossil fuels, the Cannon Alpha releases fewer emissions, advancing sustainability goals and improving the liveability of council areas.
But unlike other electric vehicles in the market, the Cannon Alpha doesn’t sacrifice gutsy performance.
The Alpha’s engine is a feat of modern engineering, delivering an impressive blend of power and towing capacity.
The Alpha is also larger than a number of other top-selling utes in the market, providing councils with more space for equipment. But being a hybrid, the ability to carry extra gear doesn’t come at the expense of increased fuel costs. The Cannon Alpha delivers all these benefits without sacrificing strength or versatility.
For more information, visit gwmanz.com
