EV's FOR FLEETS
Fleets looking to incorporate EV’s into their operations have several considerations to factor into the planning process. Identifying the vehicle model, availability and procurement timeline that may work for each duty cycle is a great place to start. Many types of fleet EV’s are available or anticipated to hit the market soon. Here are a few examples of fleet EV's on the market today.
FLEET TYPES
MEDIUM- & HEAVY-DUTY ELECTRIC TRUCKS:
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In 2024, more than 15,000 medium- and heavy-duty (MD/HD) electric vehicles hit U.S. roads, helping to offset the 20% of harmful emissions in the transportation sector that are generated by trucks. By 2030, the U.S. Department of Energy expects that nearly half of all MD/HD trucks will be cheaper to buy, operate and maintain as zero emissions vehicles than as traditional diesel combustion vehicles. Key concerns driving adoption rates address battery range, charging infrastructure, operating and maintenance costs and total cost of ownership. As the cost and performance of lithium ion batteries continues to improve, electric trucks will become more viable and competitive. And, as megawatt charging standards emerge and more infrastructure is built, even the largest and heaviest of trailers will be able to charge in minutes.
Today, companies such as VOLVO, Mullen Automotive, Kenworth Trucks, Bollinger Motors, Mack and BYD currently provide a variety of options across the full spectrum of chassis. Join our quarterly webinar series to learn more about these options.
ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSES:
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Although less than 1% of the nation’s school bus fleet is currently electrified, electric school buses (ESBs) offer a wealth of health, climate and economic benefits. In Pennsylvania, school districts across the state, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, have begun to transition to ESBs which are also known as Battery Electric Buses (BEBs). Aging diesel school buses expose students to pollution including both toxic exhaust and noise—both of which have an impact on students’ health and behavior. ESBs can help lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs and generate revenue all while improving air quality.
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Companies such as Bluebird, Lion Electric, Thomas Built, and Green Power provide ESB options. Understanding demand charges and electricity rate structures is key to achieving optimal cost efficiency when adopting ESBs. However, ESBs can also be paired with other alternative fuel technologies – such as propane –to help boost efficiencies and provide charging options. Learn more about ESBs and BEBs.
OFF-ROAD VEHICLES & CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT:
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Numerous industries requiring off-road and/or construction operations equipment can also benefit from electric vehicles. Use cases include: lawn mowing, snow removal, landscaping, and construction/renovation tasks, conducted in different weather conditions and varying settings, including urban and rural areas. By adopting electric for your off-road or construction equipment you can further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, remove noise pollution, improve cost efficiency, and enhance mobility accessibility.
Companies providing electric construction equipment include CASE Construction, John Deere, Wacker Neuson, VOLVO, and others. PennDOT will soon be offering a live demonstration and deployment project showcasing the practicality and benefits of electric construction equipment in real-world scenarios. Watch our EVENTS page for details.
FLEET CASE STUDIES
Fleets looking to incorporate EV’s into their operations have several considerations to factor into the planning process. Identifying the vehicle model, availability and procurement timeline that may work for each duty cycle is a great place to start. Many types of fleet EV’s are available or anticipated to hit the market soon.
Smart Columbus, (Sept 28, 2018) Smart Columbus Public Fleet Adoption. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHRL1NNl_y0&t=12s
SIMPLIFYING EV PURCHASING
COSTARS is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's cooperative purchasing program. It serves as a conduit through which registered and eligible local public procurement units and state-affiliated entities are able to leverage contracts established by the Department of General Services to cost-effectively and efficiently purchase vehicles. There are many EV makes and models available through COSTARS. Additional public contracting vehicles, like Sourcewell, may also be available to simplify the purchasing process.
CHARGING FORWARD FOR FLEETS
Working with a team of experts helps ensure the long-term viability and success of charging infrastructure projects. Complex variables including power availability, utility interconnections, peak demand, public charging networks and renewable power integration are important considerations that could materially influence fleet EV decisions. City planners, fleet managers, utilities and government are already working together with charging infrastructure providers to determine optimal locations and EV Corridors throughout the state.
LOCAL FLEET SUPPORT
The Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation (EP-ACT) and Pittsburg Region Clean Cities (PRCC) support fleet transitions to alternative fuels and provide guidance on resources and funding for both the vehicles and infrastructure.
Tony Bandiero
Executive Director
Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation
(215) 990-8200
FOR OUR CALENDAR
OF EV EVENTS
Richard Price
Executive Director
Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities
(412) 735-4114
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