Yolo County Going Green with Volvo Electric Compactor
Nestled between the iconic Napa Valley and the bustling city of Sacramento, Yolo County, California, has long been a hub of agricultural innovation and natural beauty. With a population of over 220,000, its communities are steeped in rich traditions and progressive initiatives. Among these is the county’s ambitious goal: achieving a carbon-negative footprint by 2030.
This commitment to sustainability has propelled Yolo County into the spotlight as a leader in green initiatives. A shining example of this dedication is their recent addition of the Volvo DD25 Electric compactor, making them one of the first counties in the United States to integrate such advanced equipment into their fleet.
Why Electrification Matters
California has always been at the forefront of environmental reform, and Yolo County’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan reflects this ethos. With over 180 actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting climate resilience, electrifying their municipal fleet is a cornerstone of their strategy.
Already, the county’s fleet includes six electric forklifts, two electric pickup trucks, and the newly added Volvo DD25 Electric compactor. With three more electric pickups on the horizon, the county is proving that sustainability isn’t just an ideal but a practical and achievable goal.
“We’re taking a bold step forward in our commitment to sustainability by adding this electric compactor to our fleet,” remarked Lucas Frerichs, Chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. “This pioneering addition not only supports our carbon-negative goal but also exemplifies our dedication to innovative solutions that protect our environment and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
Ben Lee, Fleet Superintendent of Yolo County Fleet Services, echoed these sentiments, noting how the compactor aligns perfectly with the county’s environmental goals. “The DD25 Electric will help us achieve our goals by reducing emissions, lowering noise levels, being more energy-efficient, and promoting environmentally friendly practices,” he explained.
The Power of the Volvo DD25 Electric
The Volvo DD25 Electric is no ordinary piece of equipment. With its double-drum configuration, it’s designed for tasks like compacting soil, gravel, and asphalt. But what sets it apart is its cutting-edge electric powertrain, which combines impressive performance with sustainability.
Key Features:
- Zero Emissions: Powered by a 48-volt battery, the DD25 Electric eliminates harmful exhaust emissions.
- Noise Reduction: Its quiet operation minimises noise pollution, creating a more comfortable work environment.
- Energy Efficiency: Unlike traditional diesel compactors, the electric version doesn’t idle, preserving battery life.
- Enhanced Power: The machine delivers 33 horsepower and 24 kWh of power—30% more than its diesel counterpart.
Lee highlighted the operational benefits, saying: “The absence of an engine simplifies maintenance. There’s no need for diesel exhaust fluid or extensive fuel systems—just hydraulic oil and grease. It’s a game-changer for our team.”
Smart Choices, Smarter Savings
Yolo County’s journey to acquiring the DD25 Electric started at a Volvo Construction Equipment and Services (VCES) event in San Leandro. It was there that Ben Lee first saw the machine in action and recognised its potential.
Scott Nadell, a government sales representative at VCES, facilitated the county’s purchase through the Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) Voucher Incentive Program. This programme, designed to promote the adoption of electric machinery, provided a critical subsidy.
“We knew time was of the essence,” Nadell explained. “By working through Sourcewell, we secured the best price and expedited the process to take advantage of the voucher. Everything came together perfectly.”
With additional funding from Sourcewell, the purchase was finalised. The machine was sourced from Volvo’s Pennsylvania factory, ready to be put to work in Yolo County.
Charging Ahead with Innovative Solutions
One of the standout features of the DD25 Electric is its efficiency in energy use. The compactor operates for six to eight hours on a single charge, sufficient for its typical daily workload of three to four hours. Charging is straightforward, utilising a Level 2 AC charger at the fleet’s facility.
However, Yolo County isn’t stopping there. Recognising the need for flexibility, the team is exploring mobile charging units for projects in remote areas. “This would save us the hassle of returning the machine to the yard each night during long-term projects,” Lee noted.
A Vision for the Future
Yolo County’s adoption of electric equipment doesn’t end with the DD25 Electric. They’re currently crafting a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) action plan, which will:
- Identify gaps in infrastructure.
- Recommend sites for new charging stations.
- Assess the electrical grid’s capacity for increased ZEV usage.
- Secure funding for future expansions.
This comprehensive plan underscores the county’s leadership in sustainable practices. “We’ve been a leader in the Green Movement for over 40 years,” Lee shared. “Expanding our electric fleet is an essential step toward reducing emissions and energy consumption.”
Leading by Example
Yolo County’s commitment to environmental stewardship sets a powerful example for other municipalities. By adopting innovative technologies like the Volvo DD25 Electric compactor, they demonstrate that sustainability and operational efficiency can go hand in hand.
With California’s stringent clean air regulations as a backdrop, Yolo County is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future—one road at a time.
