Los Angeles Rolls Out 2 Hybrid Street Sweepers

The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Service (StreetsLA) launched its first two Elgin hybrid-electric sweepers. The sweepers were rolled out as the StreetsLA's new Center for Green Innovation opened.

StreetsLA is the launch customer for the hybrid-electric Elgin Broom Bear Sweeper. StreetsLA Executive Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Greg Spotts said the purchase shows that "municipal fleet customers can drive innovation into the supply chain and make tomorrow’s technologies a reality for today," according to a press release.

According to Elgin's website, the hybrid Broom Bear uses a high-capacity battery to power the sweeper. The battery can be recharged while driving or when plugged into an electrical outlet.

It's designed to tackle anything from heavy-duty construction debris to light street maintenance. The sweeper also maintains a low noise level.

“Expanding the use of electric vehicles to reduce our reliance on gas-fueled vehicles will benefit all of Los Angeles, as our street sweepers and hybrid electric trucks clean our city while reducing greenhouse gases at the same time," said Board of Public Works Commissioner Teresa Villegas. 

It's part of Mayor Eric Garcetti's "Path to Zero Emissions" in his Green New Deal for Los Angeles. Included in the effort are a range of plug-in vehicles and a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station.