Jefferson County officials unveiled Thursday what they believe to be the country’s first hybrid snowplow.
The 2009 International Model 7300 Hybrid is normally used as a delivery vehicle. Fleet services tricked out the truck to push a plow, while reducing hydrocarbon emissions from a typical diesel snowplow by as much as 65 percent, according to the county.
County officials said the hybrid snowplow will use 30 percent to 50 percent less fuel than standard snowplows, a real savings given the roughly $250 cost to a fill the snowplow’s tank. Officials will measure the performance of the $162,240 snowplow before deciding whether to add more to the fleet, according to a statement.
The county has 130 snowplows, as well as 12 hybrid vehicles. The hybrid plow is stationed at the county shop in Golden and will plow roads in unincorporated neighborhoods near Golden and Wheat Ridge, the county said.
