Rochester - Oakland U adds more green vehicles to its campus

metromode, 11/5/2009

Oakland University's vehicle fleet is becoming greener around the mud flaps now that it has added some zero-emission trucks to its mix.

The university's Facilities Management department purchased three Miles ZX40ST electric trucks. Each one charges from a standard 110-volt outlet and has expected regenerative breaking and a battery life measuring out to 25,000 miles.

The trucks have a payload capacity of more than 1,000 pounds each. They are street legal and can drive as fast as 50 mph, although they are built to go at speeds of around 25 mph.

"They're not only lightweight but they can do all of the work the little Mitsubishi gas-powered trucks can do," says Jon Barth, manager of custodial and grounds for Oakland University. "They're working very well for us."

Oakland University bought them from North Central Zenn in Ohio for about $14,000 each. Officials expect to save as much as $2,500 on annual gas and maintenance costs. The vehicles will be evaluated over the winter and summer to see if these projections pan out.

These are not the first environmentally friendly vehicles the university has purchased for its Rochester campus. It also uses an assortment of gas-powered pickup trucks and vans built by the Big Three.

Source: Jon Barth, manager of custodial and grounds for Oakland University
Writer: Jon Zemke

Rochester