The City is launching a two-week pilot program to test an electric street sweeper as part of its ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Accepted into Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program for On-road Transportation Decarbonization, which supports green energy projects and the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, the City will evaluate the “Broom Bear” electric sweeper. This initiative is in collaboration with Joe Johnson Equipment, Battle Motors, and Elgin Sweepers.
Michael Rugeroni, Vice President of FS Aftermarket at Joe Johnson Equipment, highlighted the significance of the pilot: “The EV Broom Bear is Elgin’s first fully electric mechanical sweeper. It’s only the second EV Broom Bear in North America and the first in Canada. We are excited to partner with the City of Kingston for this groundbreaking project.”
During the pilot, selected operators will be trained to use the electric sweeper and will test its functionality across various city locations. A telematics device will monitor energy consumption and performance metrics to assess the trial’s effectiveness and explore the potential for permanent integration into the City’s fleet.
“This trial represents a valuable opportunity for the City to experiment with zero-emission equipment as we aim to enhance our fleet’s sustainability and reduce our environmental impact,” said Brent Fowler, Director of Corporate Asset Management & Fleet. “Partnering with industry leaders like Joe Johnson Equipment, Battle Motors, and Elgin Sweepers positions us at the forefront of sustainable urban operations. We are eager to review the EV Broom Bear’s performance and its contribution to our environmental objectives.”
The insights gained from operator feedback and data analysis will also provide valuable information to guide future design improvements and adoption strategies for government, industry, and vehicle manufacturers.