Electric vehicle technology company SEA Electric has helped civil construction firm Dempsey Wood put New Zealand’s first electric traffic safety vehicle on the road complete with a truck-mounted attenuator.
Article by EVTALK, August 8, 2022
Joining Dempsey Wood’s temporary traffic management division, the SEA Isuzu FSD EV, entitled ‘BIG EV’, is specified with a SEA-Drive 120-25 power-system.
It was assembled by Blackwells Isuzu in Christchurch with assistance provided by SEA Electric’s New Zealand aftersales team.
The ancillaries on the truck, including the attenuator, are entirely powered by the onboard batteries.
Dempsey Wood received $222,000 in funding from New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) towards the project. A rapid charging station has also been installed at the Mt Wellington depot to support it, and to provide public charging when not being utilised.
SEA Electric says the build is another example of the adaptability of its technology across a broad array of applications.
“It was no small task for Dempsey Wood to take on industry leadership with the build on this large attenuated truck,” SEA Electric NZ general manager Stephen Fairweather says.
“It required foresight to consider the total cost of ownership benefits of converting to EV, as well as understanding the many advantages that this truck brings to their business.
“This build shows what is possible in the construction space, both here in New Zealand, and across the world,” Fairweather says.
Dempsey Wood temporary traffic manager Angela Potae says the project is a “unique opportunity” to embrace EV technology in the traffic management industry.
“As a progressive and innovative company, we take on that challenge, supported by our industry partners to create change within the industry.”
Like other advanced companies, the environmental impact of Dempsey Wood’s business operations has come under the microscope.
“Sustainability is an important aspect of our business model, which we are committed to enhancing through all business channels,” Dempsey Wood sustainability manager Mike Dunphy says.
“Leveraging the support and funding from EECA, Dempsey Wood are motivated to demonstrate the applicability of heavy EV vehicle technology and capability to the construction and infrastructure sector”.
Elsewhere in New Zealand, SEA Electric will be showcasing at the New Zealand Electro Mobility Summit from August 11-12, with a SEA 300-85 EV on display, with Stephen Fairweather to feature on the event’s summit panel.
