McKinstry powers up its fleet with 100 Chevy Silverado EV work trucks [video]

McKinstry has reached a major milestone on its way to becoming an emissions-free operation with the deployment of its 100th all-electric Chevy Silverado work truck. What’s more: the company is proving these upfit electric pickups are ready to work, today.

Calling itself, “the partner you need to innovate the waste and climate harm out of the built environment,” McKinstry is a nationally known leader in the design, construction, and operation of high-performing energy efficient buildings. Now, they’re continuing to practice what they preach with with a commitment to reduce climate harm in their service fleet, as well.

“McKinstry is putting EVs into action,” says Joseph Hagar, President and Chief Financial Officer of McKinstry. “Each EV advances innovation on our job sites. These are more than trucks, SUVs and vans — they’re mobile workstations driving real impact.”

Fully 114 battery electric work vehicles are currently deployed across McKinstry’s operations in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Texas – and there’s more to come. As both the company’s own and the national public charging infrastructure expands, McKinstry plans to accelerate its EV footprint nationwide.

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“Our employees love the transition to EVs, and we’re pushing to bring the industry along with us,” adds Hagar.

McKinstry’s fleet of GM EVs includes a mix of Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and BrightDrop 600 and 400 box vans.

Electrek’s Take

One of the early criticisms of the one-piece, Avalanche-style bodywork on the range-record-setting Silverado EV (compared to the more conventional “separate” cab and bed of the Ford F-150 Lightning, for example) was that the design choice would limit the upfit options available to commercial fleets. McKinstry is proving that’s just not the case, with a thoughtful series of modifications that includes a frunk-mounted Milwaukee toolset, bed rail-mounted lockboxes, and a sturdy roof rack, among other useful mods.

Part of that is down to McKinstry working with its upfitters, but GM deserves a fair bit of credit here, too, for pushing the benefits of electrification to its established customer base. And that’s especially true when it comes to an “aspirational” company like McKinstry, with a multi-state operation and highly visible mission.

“GM Envolve is proud to support innovative customers like McKinstry as they set a new standard for operations in construction and facilities management,” said Ian Hucker, Vice President for GM Envolve. “The Chevrolet Silverado EV provides the performance and advanced technology our customers demand, while helping to enhance fleet efficiency. Delivering their 100th Silverado EV to McKinstry represents not only a milestone for their organization, but also a step forward for the entire industry as we collectively work toward a zero emissions future.”

Amen, Ian. Here’s hoping more fleets begin to realize the benefits – not just for their bottom line but for their environments and for positive press opportunities like this one – of fleet electrification. And, of course, if a truck is good enough for McKinstry’s fleet it’s probably good enough for yours – click the links below to explore local deals on GM EVs near you (trusted affiliate links).

Fleet electrification solutions

SOURCE | IMAGES: McKinstry.

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