The Delaware Department of Transportation and Energize Delaware showed off the newly purchased electric landscaping equipment added to DelDOT’s fleet.
The equipment was purchased through a research and development grant from Energize Delaware a state utility that is financed by bonds that are paid off by energy-saving projects.
The Grant for $20,444.52 was part of Energize Delaware’s Electric Lawncare Pilot Program, to purchase electric lawn equipment for the Smyrna Rest Area. With this grant, DelDOT was able to purchase new electric landscaping equipment including a Zero Turn Mower, leaf blower, trimmer, and chainsaw.
Newark and New Castle County have received similar grants.
The Smyrna Rest area was chosen for this Pilot Program as it is a controlled environment off busy roadways, yet encompasses over 70 acres, including restrooms, pavilions, picnic areas, playground, dog park, and visitor information center. This rest stop sees over 400,000 visitors each year.
“We know the future is electric. Energize Delaware created a pilot for DelDOT to present the future of electric lawn equipment and study the similarities and differences between gas and electric. Electric equipment reduces carbon emissions and noise, in addition to being quicker and allowing more areas to be mowed in the same amount of time,” said Drew Slater, Executive Director of Energize Delaware. “We’re excited to see this pilot get started.”
As Delaware moves toward aggressive goals in cutting greenhouse emissions, state government is under pressure to move toward electrification of vehicles, buses and other equipment.
