Odyne Systems, LLC, working in collaboration with DUECO, Inc., has provided Madison Gas & Electric its first Odyne 18 kWh plug-in hybrid unit mounted on a Terex 60 ft. bucket truck.

This bucket truck is an addition to their existing fleet, which includes one other hybrid type unit. "MGE are excited with the prospect of providing responsive and dependable, electrical service with the new hybrid unit. The newest addition to the fleet will be used for overhead maintenance and line construction. We will also be monitoring the unit with a mobile tracking system to gage fuel savings," states Tom Brice of Madison Gas & Electric. "The Odyne system was certified by third-party testing and the IRS for a 54-PERCENT reduction in fuel consumption, so we are looking forward to seeing the actual numbers on the working unit."

Madison Gas & Electric has had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with DUECO, Inc. for more than 34 years, they look forward to expanding this relationship to include Odyne Systems, LLC. The new plug-in hybrid will allow quiet communication between the ground and air crews, reduced or eliminated inhalation of emissions, and a fuel savings estimated at around 55 percent.

Odyne's plug-in hybrid systems provide a turnkey solution for utilities that have units with extended periods of jobsite idle time, in conjunction with city driving cycles, which typically involve a high percentage of starting and stopping. A utility such as Madison Gas & Electric can benefit the most by using a parallel plug-in hybrid system in these conditions.

Plug-in hybrid systems increase fuel efficiency while driving with the use of an electric motor parallel to the existing drive train, providing launch assist and regenerative braking. Once at the jobsite, vehicles can function without using engine power. Instead, workers use the hybrid plug-in system to operate worksite applications, such as boom movement. Fleet managers may prefer a certain type of chassis, fuel type or vehicle application configuration; providing an ideal application for the Odyne system as it is designed without making any changes to an OEM engine or transmission. In addition Odyne's plug-in hybrid systems can be used on many work truck platforms, including bucket trucks, digger derricks or air compressor truck applications. Madison Gas & Electric chose an International chassis, with the DUECO body and the Odyne 18 kWh electric power train.