FirstEnergy Corp. announced that 100% of new fleet purchases of light-duty trucks will be electric or hybrid vehicles beginning in 2021. 

Transitioning its vehicle fleet to these cleaner-powered options is part of FirstEnergy's larger efforts to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions companywide and support transportation electrification efforts in its six-state service area, according to FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy expects to electrify 30% of its approximately 3,400 light duty and aerial fleet vehicles by 2030, representing 1,034 vehicles, with the goal of reaching 100% electrification by 2050. This includes utility bucket trucks, small pickups, SUVs and other support vehicles.

The 30% fleet replacement target has the potential to annually eliminate approximately 10,000 metric tons of GHG emissions while saving more than 3.8 million gallons of fuel from 2021-2030. 

"A team of employees tested versions of the hybrid vehicles in the field and determined we could get comparable operational benefits while substantially reducing emissions. We believe our efforts to lead by example in this area will help spur customer adoption of electric vehicles in the coming years," said Steven E. Strah, president, FirstEnergy.

Because fully electric aerial trucks are still under development, some of the new hybrid vehicles will feature plug-in idle mitigation units powered by battery packs for the lift or bucket, along with operating the truck's heating and air conditioning systems, according to FirstEnergy. These hybrid aerial trucks significantly reduce the amount of time the diesel engine operates, which also reduces air and noise pollution. Truck manufacturers estimate that utility vehicles idle in park for about 65% of their total engine hours, and an hour of engine idle is equivalent to using one gallon of fuel.

FirstEnergy's vehicle replacement process is based on the number of miles and the age of the current vehicles. Starting in 2021, hybrid light duty vehicles, such as pickup trucks, vans and SUVs, will be delivered to all FirstEnergy utilities. The plan is to increase all-electric light duty purchases as the charging infrastructure develops. Orders for the hybrid aerial trucks also have been placed and are expected to arrive next summer in the majority of FirstEnergy utility areas.

Part of FirstEnergy's vehicle replacement process includes a previously announced purchase agreement with Lordstown Motors, a start-up electric vehicle manufacturer in northeast Ohio, for 250 new all-electric pickup trucks.