Benefits of electric vehicles for fleets

Along with increasing electric vehicles (EVs) choices for consumers, alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) for fleets has evolved and, today, there are many models for every application and vehicle usage, from light to heave duty. Electric transportation is energy-efficient and helps reduce US dependency on foreign oils by reducing petroleum consumption. While lessening our carbon footprint, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, EVs are transforming the future of transportation mobility.

Many businesses, corporations, law enforcement organizations, school districts and universities, local and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and others utilize vehicle fleets. Alternative fuel vehicles for fleets also make business sense, whether the organization chooses to use Segways, patrol motorbikes, industrial/NEVs (a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), utility vehicles, light duty electric pickup trucks, or busses.

As gasoline prices continue to rise, coupled with Middle-Eastern turmoil, fleets’ fuel cost has become a chief concern for fleet managers. The Green Transportation Team in Silicon Valley, California, has been advancing the use of alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel blends, and all-electric powered models for fleets.The Green Team includes the Electronic Transportation Development Center (ETDC), Silicon Valley Clean Cities Coalition (SVCCC - sponsored by the Department Of Energy), and Breathe California.

According to the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicle Data Center (AFDC) website, Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and all-electric vehicles (EVs) have several benefits compared with conventional vehicles:

Better fuel economy,
Lower emissions,
Lower fuel costs,
Increased energy security,
More fueling flexibility

The Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) is a comprehensive clearinghouse of data, publications, tools, and information related to advanced transportation technologies. AFDC is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities initiative and technically administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. AFDC hosts more than 3,000 documents, interactive tools that help fleets and consumers make transportation decisions, and a wealth of information to educate the public on alternative fuels and advanced vehicles.

Through a series of workshops on Electric Vehicles for Fleets, the Silicon Valley Green Team has been educating fleet executives in businesses, government, municipalities, industry, NGOs (non-government organizations), and others. Most fleets have a mix of applications, from light vehicles (like Segways and e-bikes) to heavy duty or passenger transit vehicles (like pick-up trucks and buses).

Workforce training is another challenge for fleet managers, which include the drivers, mechanics, shop staff, and others, including the decision makers. When surveyed on the most critical item to an effective alternative fueling program, fleet managers responded that training, especially of maintenance personnel, was essential for success.

Mike Brown and Shari Prange of Electro Automotive are part of the ETDC Faculty Workforce Training. Electro Automotive offers several EV classes from a ½ day workshop for drivers to three-day technical, in-depth, mechanical courses. In addition to a full scale of EV classes, they also offer conversion seminars as well as retrofit classes. In a recent workshop, Mr. Brown and Ms. Prange talked about the benefits of ‘green fleets’, fleet mechanics, and success factors.

General benefits

When looking at reducing emissions at the tailpipe, EVs offer zero emissions
Alternative fueling – when choosing solar charging, there are zero emission at the source, i.e. at power generation, as well as at the tailpipe.

Energy usage

EVs are 55% more efficient than traditional gasoline motors
EVs can use energy from multiple sources. Alternative sources include natural gas (compressed or liquefied), propane, ethanol, biodiesel, solar, and more.
An energy source like solar charging can be located on-site, giving clear control of the source.
Energy costs for fleets: Gasoline cost is 0.14$ per mile (it keeps on rising); electricity is 0.04$ per mile.
Solar as a source is free after payoff of the initial investment.

Maintenance and repairs

There is a significant reduction in on-going maintenance costs and associated repairs. EV drive-systems have only one moving part; there are no corrosive exhaust gasses or heat. Furthermore, there is no need for oil changes, or filters – resulting in reduced maintenance costs.
As important, there is a minimized vehicle down time while the vehicle is being serviced. In some cases there is no down time involved.
EV maintenance requires staff to fill water and check tire pressure (same as in conventional vehicles).
Battery replacement – currently, up to 10 years.

Today, there are several charging solutions for EVs. Recent developments in energy storage technology (such as Nickel Metal Hydride - NiMH - and Lithium-ion) and improved reliability have lead manufacturers to warrant their battery-packs at the range of 80,000 to 100,000 miles. On the road, experience has shown that few failures occur and batteries may last up to 150,000.

Success factors for fleets have shown that choosing the right electric vehicle for the task or job is critical. Since the majority of fleets require a mix of vehicles, it’s important to know of all the available options. In addition, successful implementations utilized support and adequate training of fleet mechanics and drivers. Educating the staff about EV benefits, the mechanics (taught in various levels – depending on the target audience), EV driving tactics, maintenance techniques, troubleshooting, and the most common EV issues - have all increased the comfort level of the workforce and lead to successful implementations.

Fleet Footprint Calculator

Through the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicle Data Center (AFDC) website, Argonne National Laboratory has created the GREET Fleet Footprint Calculator to assist in measuring the petroleum displacement and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of medium and heavy-duty vehicles and off-road equipment.

While reducing fuel costs, or even eliminating them, fleet managers will be able to use freed-up budget for managing their electric-powered and environmentally superior vehicles, a boon for all involved.

MORE INFORMATION

AFDC One-stop shop for fleets
Read more about the AFDC analysis of the benefits of electric drive vehicles, applicable to fleets and consumers.
The Green Team's future training sessions are available here. For information about the Green Team contact Patricia Tind at patricia@lungsrus.org or Bob Garzee at admin@siliconvalleyedition.com
Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicle Data Center (AFDC - of the US Department Of Energy) website.
Additional resources and links are available here (such as the Silicon Valley Advanced Transportation Technologies, Clean Cities, California Statewide Advanced Transportation Technologies Initiative, and more).