by Brianna Crandall — August 2, 2019 — Driven largely by economics, rising air pollution from vehicle emissions, and new advances in technology, transportation is transforming and becoming more sustainable, competitive and innovative. Passenger electric vehicle sales in the US have soared in the last decade. Now, as automakers prepare for mass production of a new line-up of medium- and heavy-duty electric vans, buses, delivery trucks and semi’s, smart fleet and sustainability and facilities managers (FMs) are taking notice.
Whether your organization is considering adding electric vehicles to those used on your corporate, education or healthcare campus or to your company fleet, or whether you are trying to keep ahead of the curve for employee, tenant, customer or visitor needs, infrastructure services provider Black & Veatch’s latest free electronic book can help you work out a plan to start getting all the components of an effective electrification program in line.
Paul Stith, director of Strategy and Innovation for Black & Veatch’s Transformative Technologies business, stated:
Not only does the commercial and industrial sector have a responsibility to meet tough emissions standards set by regulators, but as economics come in line, businesses that don’t electrify will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
Electric vehicle fleets require well-designed power delivery and charging facilities. Planning for charging now — with the understanding that it may take up to a year or two from plan to charge — sets electrification programs up for success, says the company.
To capitalize on the benefits of electrification, fleet and sustainability managers and FMs must navigate a new maze of technologies, infrastructure choice and supply chains, says Black & Veatch. Electrification programs will be different for each organization — some may electrify entire fleets, while others may begin with a smaller trial project to demonstrate proof-of-concept.
The new e-book, Electric Fleets, outlines eight steps to guide the process, inform scheduling, and plan for optimal charging facilities:
- Determine the number of electric vehicles
- Select technology options
- Understand charging loads and power delivery
- Site planning
- Coordinate engineering and design
- Apply for permits, etc.
- Grid upgrade requirements
- Obtain equipment and construct
Randal Kaufman, sales director for Black & Veatch’s Transformative Technologies business, remarked:
Insightful planning is critical to long-term program success. A company may choose to roll out five or 10 electric vehicles to start, but thinking ahead to future charging needs will allow for scalability and resilience while minimizing total cost of ownership.
Fleet and sustainability managers who invest in electrification roadmaps for each facility will be in the best position to capitalize on funding opportunities as these vehicles hit the market, says the company.
For complete details on the 8 steps, download the Electric Fleets: 8 Steps to Medium and Heavy-duty Fleet Electrification eBook from the Black & Veatch website.
The company’s complete series of eBooks examines digitally connected communities, digital electricity, autonomous vehicles and 5G technologies. The company provides analysis, design, engineering and construction services for infrastructure in energy, water, telecommunications and government services in over 100 countries.
