Minn. Company Designs EV Utility Truck
Minnesota-based Universal Tactical Systems has designed a battery-electric medium-duty truck with the capability to be equipped with a bucket and swing arm for use by electric utility workers.
Minnesota-based Universal Tactical Systems has designed a battery-electric medium-duty truck with the capability to be equipped with a bucket and swing arm for use by electric utility workers, the Star Tribune has reported.
The truck, named Zeus, is expected to have an electric range of 120 miles, according to designer and CEO Bob Grinstead. Both Grinstead and partner Brian Graff are seeking $500,000 from informal investors for the construction of a truck prototype, the Star Tribune added.
Edison Electric Institute (EEI) issued a report last year urging utilities to more than double their investments in electric utility fleet vehicles because they will help utilities reduce operating costs for fuel and maintenance, among other benefits.
The first battery-electric utility truck with an aerial device in the U.S. was unveiled by Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation (SEV U.S.) and Altec Industries in 2009. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has also released a Class 5 plug-in hybrid-electric bucket truck.
More Utility Fleet
Why Utility Fleets Choose the Kenworth T380
The Kenworth T380 is engineered for utility fleets with custom chassis layouts, optimized frame rails, 4x4 capability, and improved driver visibility. See how its design helps maximize upfit flexibility and field performance.
Read More →
PALFINGER PB 38 AT P: Purpose-Built for Telecom Fleets
Purpose-built for telecommunications crews, the PALFINGER PB 38 ATP combines a 43-foot working height, flexible basket stowage, integrated cameras, and operator communication systems to improve productivity and safety during fiber and overhead cable installation.
Read More →
Inside Terex Utilities' Latest Work Truck Innovations
Terex Utilities is advancing utility fleet operations with its new TRX aerial platforms, Flex Pro controls, and AI-powered 3rd Eye safety technology. See how these innovations are helping fleets work safer, smarter, and more productively.
Read More →
Walkaround of International MV607 Digger Derrick
The International MV607 combines advanced safety technologies, excellent visibility, vocational flexibility, and seamless body integration to create a powerful platform for utility fleet operations. Take a closer look at this Altec digger derrick configuration from EUFMC.
Read More →
Inside the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference
What is EUFMC? For more than seven decades, the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference has served as a hub for collaboration, education, and innovation within the utility fleet industry. In this video, Work Truck talks to EUFMC President Greg Loew to learn more.
Read More →
Inside the EUFMC Equipment Expo & Drive-Through
Follow Work Truck as we check out the trucks and other vehicles that were showcased at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. Whether looking for something on tires or treads, it was there for fleet managers to see.
Read More →
Terex Utilities & Kiley Unveil Custom America 250 Bucket Trucks at EUFMC 2026
Terex Utilities showcased a patriotic spirit in its booth this week during the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, by debuting two custom-wrapped bucket trucks celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Read More →
Panasonic Connect & Anterix Strengthen Connectivity Options for Utilities and Field Workers
The Panasonic Connect Toughbook 56 is the first Toughbook to earn the AnterixActive badge, which means it can connect to and operate on Anterix’s 900 MHz network even in the most remote locations.
Read More →
Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches Portable Scene Light III & LiteBox 1Million
Streamlight has launched its Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a long-range search light that delivers one million candela.
Read More →