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tjdonald-
Mike is correct, Western does not offer an electric model as far as I know. It seems you may have some unanswered questions regarding how the hydraulic units work. They have no engine. They are strictly run by hydraulics (under the hood of your engine). There is no electricity involved. The hydraulic pump is driven by a belt under your hood to produce hydraulic pressure using the fluid stored in a reservoir. The reservoir generally is located somewhere under the bed of your truck and is plumbed to the front where the pump is likely to be located. I'm no hydraulics or mechanical expert by any stretch of the imagination, so I hope I have been of some help.
Hydraulic setups are great. However, they are expensive to setup. If you figure that the hydro unit runs $3500 (minimum) and the spreader $3500 (mild steel), you would have $7k US invested in spreading salt with an existing truck, although the hydro unit could be used for a bed hoist, plow (in place of the electric motors found on most smaller full size trucks), etc. As a rule, hydraulic setups are used in medium duty trucks and larger, eventhough they can be setup in full size pickups, too. My guess as to the reason behind this fact is the cost factor.
Although hydro units are great, it sounds like you may want to look into the Smith Stainless Steel Electric spreader for economical reasons. That unit is powered by electricity and they are said to draw very little amperage with the exception of when they are first turned on.
Also, depending on your GVWR and specific capacity needs, you may want to look into the Trynex SP 6000 or SP 8000. They are both electric driven and have vibrator to assure even flow. There are two features about them that I find outstanding. First, they are made of poly (no rust). Second, they weigh 350 and 400 lbs apiece, respectively. They are capable of spreading salt and a salt/sand mix if you prefer to waste your customer's money and make a mess. :-)
I talked to a representative of Pace who is a Trynex distributor and he told me that next year they are planning on making a kit so you can spread calcium chloride (read as smaller diameter materials) with it, too. The Trynex units hold 1 yd and 1.5 yds each depending upon which model you buy. They are designed for 6 ft and 8 ft beds, hence the 6000 and 8000 series. I was given a stack of brochures and will gladly mail one to you if these spreaders interest you.
Good luck. I know there are many good options for you to choose from no matter which way you go.
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