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Green machine: hybrid snowplow to hit the roads in Colorado

By D. Scriber l Published: Monday, December 14 2009 09:32

snow_plow_jeffco It looks mean and heavy, but uses 30-50 percent less diesel fuel than a regular truck. The International Model 7300 hybrid truck is specially outfitted by the Jefferson County government in Colorado with an orange plow, making it possibly the first such hybrid snowplow in the United States. The truck could become an inspiration for other cities looking to cut down on the cost of fuel and toll of pollution.

But it comes with a hefty price tag -- more than $162,000. And it must first pass the reality test, taking on difficult snowy roads just outside of Denver, one mile above sea level. If the hybrid performs as hoped, it could become a prototype as the county eventually replaces its fleet of 82 snowplows.

Image via Jefferson County

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