Powering What’s Next in Utilities
For utilities and construction crews, elevated work platforms (EWPs) are essential. But powering them with an idling diesel engine is noisy, expensive, and emissions-heavy. With sustainability becoming a key focus and fuel costs continuing to rise, the need for smarter alternatives is clear.
Turning a Common Problem into an Electric Opportunity
Traditionally, EWP trucks need to idle to run hydraulic systems. That means constant fuel burn, even when the vehicle isn’t moving. For crews working in cities, suburbs, or near homes, that also means unwanted noise and unnecessary carbon emissions.
With proven success in the dairy sector, Newspec saw the opportunity to adapt its self-charging electric PTO system for elevated work platforms - helping utility providers and contractors cut back on idling and operate more sustainably.
In Trial: Quiet Power on the Streets of Christchurch
Newspec is currently trialling the electric PTO system with a leading utilities provider in Christchurch. These trucks are using the system daily to power EWPs on urban job sites - all without idling the engine.
Early feedback has been strong: quieter operation, reduced fuel use, and a clear shift toward lower-emissions field work.
How It Works
The system stores energy captured while the truck is in motion, then uses that energy to power hydraulics once parked. There’s no need to plug in or rely on external charging - the electric PTO is fully self-contained and designed to integrate easily with existing fleet setups.
Key benefits:
No idling during platform use
Reduced fuel consumption
Lower carbon emissions
Quieter job sites - ideal for urban or residential work
A step toward low-emission fleet targets
A Promising Start
Although still in the trial phase, the electric PTO system is showing real promise in the field. For fleet managers and utility providers looking to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising performance, it represents a future-forward solution worth watching.
Newspec continues to work closely with its partner to monitor results, gather data, and refine the system as needed.
Built for More Than Dairy
The success of Newspec’s electric PTO in milk tankers opened the door. Now, its potential across other sectors—utilities, construction, waste management, freight - is coming into focus. This EWP trial is one of several use cases being explored, showing just how adaptable and impactful the technology can be.
As more industries look for ways to lower emissions and cut operational costs, Newspec is laying the groundwork for a new kind of fleet—one that works smarter, runs cleaner, and idles a whole lot less.