If you’re driving on Vancouver Island, look out for Tesla’s futuristic semi-trucks hauling B.C. timber.
Nanaimo’s Mosaic Forest Management has partnered with EcoWest Driven to introduce several Tesla semi-trucks into log hauling.
Heavy vehicle operators like Mosaic are eager to replace their existing diesel fleet with electric but there have been no commercially available electric log truck solutions appropriate for Vancouver Island’s terrain. Until now.
“With our in-depth experience and knowledge of the forestry industry on Vancouver Island, we are excited to partner with Mosaic to utilize Tesla’s innovative electric semis into log haulers,” said Timber Johnson, Director and Co-Founder of EcoWest Driven.
Parksville’s EcoWest Driven has begun the process of creating charging infrastructure and a new electric vehicle maintenance facility on Vancouver Island to accommodate this new demand for emission-free heavy haulers.
The BC forest sector has a significant role to play in addressing climate change. The working forest captures carbon as it grows, and wood products keep that carbon locked-up for decades. New trees are planted and the renewable cycle repeats.
However, forestry operations generate tailpipe emissions, including from log trucks. Electrifying the fleet is a particularly good approach in B.C. where over 90% of power in the Province is generated from clean hydroelectric sources.
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“We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and electrifying our log hauling fleet is a significant step in that direction” said Jeff Zweig, President and CEO of Mosaic Forest Management. “BC is a global centre of excellence in forestry, and we are proud to work with our local partner, EcoWest Driven, on this important project”.
“Mosaic’s commitment to carbon neutrality, and these innovative actions in support of that commitment, align with our CleanBC objectives to build a cleaner and better low carbon economy for British Columbians,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.
Interesting…pretty low to the ground on the front end…off road only? Mosaic hopes to have a fleet of 300. What Grid is going to handle the influx of electricity being used…Are they going to build their own Hydro stations to charge these…or go on the regular grid for the area they are charging at ??? will regular consumers rates go up as more electricity is going to be used?
I think there is a lot of surplus on Vancouver island & BC
BC hydro sell surplus to US at 3c per kw 6c to industry & 12c to domestic.. I think