Upgrading the operations fleet with an electric vehicle suited to meet the unique needs of highway maintenance.
Highway operations and maintenance involve various tasks such as routine inspections, debris removal, pothole repairs, snow ploughing, and emergency response. Traditionally, these tasks rely on conventional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles, contributing to elevated carbon emissions and high operational costs. The emergence of electric vehicles (‘EV’) presents an opportunity to address these challenges while promoting sustainability and enhancing public perception.
In 2023, BBGI, through its Portfolio Company, acquired the first EV for the Ohio River Bridge Project fleet, a Ford F-150 Lightning specially outfitted to meet the unique needs of highway operations.
This vehicle offered multiple advantages, including operating without air pollutants, lower maintenance requirements and operating costs, connectivity with smart technologies with real-time data and acting as a portable supply power for hand tools for interventions without the need of a generator.
With an estimated range of over 300 miles per charge, a maximum payload of 2,200 lbs, and a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs, this vehicle effectively meets the operational requirements of highway maintenance tasks. The existing solar panel array provides enough capacity to charge the 98 kWh battery of the vehicle.
The incorporation of the Ford F-150 Lightning into our highway operations and maintenance fleet, exemplifies the potential of electric vehicles to transform traditional infrastructure management practices. By embracing EV technology, BBGI not only achieved environmental and economic benefits but also positioned itself as a leader in sustainable transportation.
Volker Ellenberg
BBGI Global Head of Asset Management
