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Port of New Orleans introduces plug-in hybrid pickup trucks

Port of New Orleans pickup trucks
From left, Director of Marketing for XL Fleet Eric Foellmer, Port President & CEO Brandy D. Christian, Executive Director of Regional Planning Commission Jeffrey Roesel and Director of Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership Courtney Young cut the ribbon to usher in the plug-in hybrid trucks PHOTO: Port of New Orleans
With existing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in place and working toward energy efficiency investments defined in its new Strategic Master Plan, the Port of New Orleans expanded its EV fleet with the help of the Clean Fuel Transition Fund for Public Fleets.

The program is managed by the Regional Planning Commission’s Clean Fuel Partnership program.

Costs offset

This funding helped the port offset the costs of two plug-in hybrid electric F-150s equipped with extended range technology, including a high voltage lithium battery pack and regenerative braking.

The systems, developed by XL, enable an estimated 50% increase in miles per gallon and 33% decrease in emissions. Project partners celebrated this innovative clean transportation project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at the port.

Port President and CEO Brandy D. Christian thanked the Regional Planning Commission and the Clean Fuel Partnership, as well as XL. 'We look forward to continuing to implement projects that help drive energy-efficiency and sustainability,' she said.