Transitioning to EV Fleets: Best Practices and A Decision Tool

Project summary:

New regulatory targets in the US now aim for an electric vehicle (EV) share of at least 50 percent by 2030. Several vehicle manufacturers have plans for terminating the production of internal combustion engine vehicles by a target date. While many organizations are eager to transition to EV fleets, the pathway is far from straightforward with real-world challenges adding layers of complexity to this transition. Some of these challenges include range anxiety and lower driving range of EVs in cold climates, charging infrastructure unavailability (especially in rural areas and for small agencies), and difficulty in converting medium- and heavy-duty fleets for large organizations like the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

This project takes a scientific yet practical approach to help agencies pave the way for their fleet conversion and pursue funding from available sources. A comprehensive online survey will collect data on agency fleet needs and the status of fleet conversion. Then, a cost model will analyze potential benefits of transitioning to EV fleets. Finally, a blueprint document will summarize findings to help agencies navigate the fleet conversion process. Issues such as driving range, fleet type and size, and charging requirements along with parking arrangements will be investigated in the study. The outcome of this project will be disseminated through a webinar targeting Minnesota agencies.