Municipal Fleets Should Transition to EVs Now

Municipalities that own and operate their own electric utility are missing a huge opportunity to serve residents by not aggressively transitioning their fleets to electrified transportation. The transition to Electric Vehicles includes benefits to the local economy, operational efficiency, as well as public health and safety.

Multiple Order Benefits

One of the most significant benefits of transitioning to Electric Vehicles is that this transition keeps money in local communities. In the United States, Gasoline-powered transportation sends every dollar used for fuel outside of almost all communities (except for a few select oil-producing US regions). When a municipal fleet transitions to EVs and uses municipally supplied electric power for transportation, the money multiplier effect is seen locally. These communities not only see more money staying instead of leaving, but they also experience job creation and cleaner air as a result of the switch. In the case of some real-world Florida examples, power is so inexpensive at the municipal level that the cost to operate an Electric Vehicle is just $0.01/mile. This is in stark contrast to the federal mileage rate of $0.575/mile.

Cost savings can be seen in other areas as well. Cities with fleets employ teams of mechanics and technicians to ensure vehicles remain operational. An EV has 90% fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine. Outside of tires, very few parts require replacing or ongoing maintenance. An EV fleet means that budgets allocated to supporting fleet maintenance professionals can be redeployed.  These professionals - for whom I am personally extremely grateful - could be redeployed within the city for value-add services such as building out EV charging station capacity and maintaining city assets like buildings and facilities that serve residents. The rule holds: when one does not have to repair an asset as often, resources are available to add value in other ways.

Beyond cost savings, Electric Vehicles add value to municipalities and their residents through improved safety and efficiency.

EVs are statistically safer for both the operator and surrounding pedestrians due to their lower center of gravity and advanced collision warning systems.  They are also safer in terms of improved air quality. They release less particulate matter due to the absence of diesel exhaust and less braking. The use of regenerative braking is a boon to safety and efficiency.

EVs are more efficient at converting power to movement, which is one of the reasons the cost to operate is much lower than an equivalent internal combustion engine. Each EV added to a fleet is the equivalent demand of a small apartment added as a customer of the local utility. This expansion supports local jobs and increases municipal revenue while decreasing taxpayer costs (the holy grail of city management). When planned properly, the switch to an EV fleet can be done without large infrastructure expansion.

Municipalities are uniquely positioned to overcome the main criticisms leveled at Electric Vehicles in several ways. 

Criticism 1: “Not enough range”

Most municipalities are confined to an area where vehicles do not travel over 100 miles per day. This is an acceptable distance for even the most limited/least expensive EVs, meaning the municipality will not experience any disruption in service due to the vehicle’s fuel source.

Criticism 2: “Not enough charging stations”

This is easily solved by building a distributed charging network throughout the municipal territory. Once completed, this network not only benefits the fleet but also residents and visitors. It also creates income for the municipality when city vehicles are not charging and prevents the need for a heavy electrical infrastructure build-out. 

Criticism 3: “EVs cause higher demand loads”

For a municipality that owns its own utility, EVs can actually help smooth the demand curve, not worsen it. With smart EV charging, city vehicles can be set to charge during off-peak hours, smoothing demand, and reducing both the cost to charge and potentially the cost of power to other ratepayers (a win-win for the taxpayer).

Something to consider.

Electric Vehicles aren’t going to “save the world.” What they can do is provide safer, cleaner, and more economically-sound communities for taxpayers and future residents. Municipalities that own their own utilities should take a hard, unbiased look at this transition and its benefits. We think they will see that the timing is right.  

 For questions or more information on transitioning to an electrified fleet, please contact us.