SDG&E Transforming Vehicle Fleet

- Upgrades to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions

- Plug-in hybrids to leverage increasingly cleaner energy from renewable sources

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Dec 14, 2016, 06:38 ET

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its commitment to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions created from the transportation sector, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with XL Hybrids -- a leading developer of hybrid truck solutions -- to purchase up to 110 of their first-of-its-kind, plug-in electric hybrid truck systems between 2017 and 2020 to upgrade SDG&E's fleet vehicles.

Driven by a relentless focus on innovation to reduce its carbon footprint, SDG&E has been seeking a transformative solution for its fleet. The XL Hybrids' system will convert commercially available gasoline-powered trucks into electric hybrids, powered in part by energy generated by the sun and wind. The conversion of these powerful gas trucks will deliver a 50 percent improvement in miles driven per gallon, reduce operating costs, extend the life of the vehicles, and increase the overall range of SDG&E's fleet.

The company's commitment to transform its fleet builds on SDG&E's efforts to partner with its customers who are seeking to expand their use of alternative-fueled passenger and freight vehicles, trucks, buses, forklifts and cranes, among other solutions to reduce emissions along highly trafficked city streets and highways and seaports. And, as part of the company's Power Your Drive program, the company will install 3,500 electric vehicle charging stations at apartments, condos, businesses and disadvantaged communities where currently few if any charging stations exist.

"Delivering innovation for the benefit of our customers is at the heart of what motivates us at SDG&E," said Jeff Martin, SDG&E's chairman, president and CEO. "We expect to deliver more than 40 percent of our electricity in 2017 from renewable sources, and, as we decarbonize electricity, today's announcement delivers a new solution for reducing the transportation emissions of employees who annually drive a significant number of miles throughout southern California. Not only will our fleet vehicle transformation create cleaner air for our community, it also will provide a path for reducing vehicle operating expenses for the benefit of our customers."

SDG&E intends to convert more than 20 percent of its fleet to alternative-fueled vehicles by 2020. In addition to this partnership and to aid in this goal, the company recently purchased more than 30 new plug-in electric hybrid "bucket" trucks. These clean air vehicles are expected to eliminate more than 907,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to removing nearly 100 cars from the road for a full year. The new trucks have an on-board battery system that eliminates the need for engine idling when crews are called out for repairs, and they are reducing emissions and noise in neighborhoods.

To learn more about SDG&E's commitment to improving air quality, fighting climate change and for continuing California's leadership position as the clean transportation capital in America, visit the SDG&E website here.

SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides safe, reliable, clean energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. More than 4,300 employees work to provide the most reliable and clean energy in the West. The company has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for leadership in addressing climate change, was the first to meet California's goal of delivering 33 percent of energy from renewable sources, has fueled the adoption of electric vehicles and energy efficiency through unique customer programs, and supports more than 600 non-profit partners. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information visit sdge.com/newsroom or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.