Electric transportation is on the rise for personal use and also in public and private fleets. Experts in the space indicate that many fleet managers have been transitioning into a mixed vehicle fleet. Over the next few years, the EV sector predicts that alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) will become the majority of fleet transportation. Fleets generate costs but do not yield revenues for the organization, therefore making informative decisions and reducing costs are a main challenge for fleet executives.
The Green Team, comprised of the Electronic Transportation Development Center (ETDC), Breathe California, and Silicon Valley Clean City Coalition (SVCCC), is focused on improving the environmental impact and efficiency of ground transportation in fleets by offering several levels of training that would prepare the workforce to this changing domain. ETDC and the Green Team offer a comprehensive business solution to fleet managers and personnel that include all aspects of such projects, from planning, selection, purchasing, management, maintenance, as well as training and support.
Bob Garzee, Founder and Manager of ETDC and the Green Team leader, presented the team’s training panel at the Charged 2011 EV symposium this month. Mr Garzee is the Chief Executive Officer of Synergy EV, Inc., a thirteen-year corporation dedicated to commercial Electronic Vehicles implementation and technology development. Garzee said that green transportation could help solve the eleven percent unemployment rate in Silicon Valley.
Why do we need EV training? What kind of education is needed, and when to start?
Electric transportation is here and many fleets are already utilizing some of the hybrid and all-electric models. Several types of EVs, including hybrid and plug in, have been around for several years, such as Segways, bikes, cars, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), light trucks, vans and busses. Fleet managers need to assess the available vehicles and determine their application for each usage. Management and operations of EVs in fleets – that is planning, implementing, fueling, operating, and financing options of EVs – require knowledge, experience and learning of best practices.
For EV implementations to be successful both managers and technicians need to be trained, diagnose and solve problems, and become familiar with preventive maintenance and potential repairs. To increase safety, EV-specific driving and trouble-shooting training will help drivers become comfortable with the electric engine (which is very different from the internal combustion/gasoline-injection engine). When considering the various EV models, technologies and mechanics, as well as applications - educating automotive staff members, fleet managers, technicians, OEM executives, and also drivers is necessary. Furthermore, involving the personnel and staff technicians in the selection and purchase process, will help acquiring the ‘right’ vehicle for the application. Knowledgeable staff will incorporate the new vehicles more easily and successfully once they are trained ahead of time.
Fleet technicians are the first ones to handle daily operations, service and maintain vehicles, determine the problems and assess whether manufacturer's intervention is needed. Standardized training from an established institution will ensure consistent utilization, regardless of staff changes. In addition to operating and servicing EVs, fleet managers and staff members need to be trained on various fueling options. The largest expenditure in a fleet is operational costs, in particular fueling, which is difficult to budget, since the needs are variable. EVs provide a great alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles and are a viable solution toward reducing fueling costs (from a near $ 5 to 0.75 $ per gallon), as well as compliance with more stringent emissions regulations. Today, there are several alternative fueling methods, from solar-fueling, propane, compressed gas, etc.
For training to be most effective, a fully equipped facility is required, where students can interact directly with expert instructors and experience hands-on training. Such facility is available at the De Anza College Automotive Technology Department in Cupertino, CA. In partnership with ETDC, alternate fuels training, as well as several levels of EV educational workshops are available to the public and private sectors.
The Green Team leaders believe that in the next few years the demand for instructors and trained technicians in green transportation and alternative fuels will grow in California, presenting many job opportunities. Thus, the time to get trained is now.
The Green Team, comprised of ETDC, Breathe California, and Silicon Valley Clean City Coalition (SVCCC) provide EV educational workshops. ETDC is a seven-years old green transportation support center that focuses on leveraging and advancing Silicon Valley alternative fuel technologies and best practices to all the US states. SVCCC is a partnership of public, private agencies, businesses, and interested citizens dedicated to the advancement of alternative fuels in order to improve the air quality in Silicon Valley. Click on SVCCC website. Breathe California is a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping local residents breathe easier, fights lung disease in all its forms and works with communities to promote lung health. Click on Breathe California of The Bay Area website for links and health information. Also check the Breathe California affiliates website.
For more information, call Breathe California at (408) 998-5865 and ETDC at (408) 500-1740. Class types and schedules are available on Silicon Valley Clean City Coalition website at www.svcleancities.org
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