The rise of the electric vehicle fleet (EV fleet) is no longer on the horizon—it’s already here. In December 2021, the Biden Administration released an Executive Order fast-tracking the federal adoption of zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
Apart from the legal directives for electric fleets, proper utilization could boost the efficiency of your fleet and potentially reduce costs as time goes by.
Let’s explore the many benefits of deploying electric vehicles in your government fleet.
Why your government fleet needs electric vehicles
From changing regulatory requirements to evolving sustainability needs, there are many reasons that government fleet managers are switching to EVs.
For fleets on the federal level, the statistics tell a poignant story:
- Only 1% of federal vehicles classify as zero emission.
- This means approximately 380,000 federal vehicles must be replaced by the end of 2035.
- Agencies need to purchase 30,000+ vehicles per year to meet the Executive Order within the next twelve years.
The situation may be similar for organizations on state or local levels, many of which face specific regional compliance regulations for EV use and acquisition. Currently, nine states and the District of Columbia have specific policies affecting EV fleets. Additionally, major municipal areas, such as New York City, have their own set of policies for the EV transition.
Preparing for the EV future is an inevitable reality, regardless of the size or location of your government organization. But while it may alter your status quo or require a change in procurement specifications, it also provides a window of opportunity to upgrade, adapt, and optimize your fleet.
The six benefits of electric vehicles in government fleets
It’s important to look at the transition to EV as an opportunity rather than a setback. After all, there are many benefits to EV fleets that improve rather than detract from traditional ones.
1. Reduced noise pollution
Noise is an inevitable byproduct of heavy machinery. However, the noise reduction from EV use is significant at high volumes. On average, EVs make just 43 dB of noise, while traditional vehicles make 89 dB.
2. Lower maintenance costs
The electric fleet could have enormous implications for the average fleet maintenance budget. Fewer moving parts, fluid changes, and brake wear problems can ensure less frequent and more cost-effective maintenance. Experts suggest that these costs may dip even further as time goes by, reducing annual maintenance budgets and optimizing expenses.
3. Cheaper fuel expenses
Traditional fuel is a volatile and expensive component of public fleet maintenance, and the adoption of EVs can reduce their demand within your organization. EVs are up to three times cheaper per mile (depending on the vehicle), helping to maximize your budget while minimizing unnecessary costs.
4. Decreased GHG emissions
EVs have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional vehicles, even when accounting for the electric grid. They also produce fewer or no greenhouse gases compared to other vehicles. This improves air quality and reduces pollution for the communities that you serve.
5. Higher speeds
Many drivers worry that EVs lack the power to keep up with traditional cars. However, they can reach speeds that compete with conventional vehicles, going from zero to sixty in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 140 mph. Drivers don’t have to worry about losing time on the road and can safely transition to EVs without stressing about lowered performance.
6. Ironclad safety
EVs meet the same safety standards as traditional automobiles, but they also have several benefits that are unavailable to older vehicles. For example, they have a lower center of gravity and are less likely to roll over, which may decrease accidents and increase safety for your organization and the public that it serves.
Get started with your electric vehicle fleet through Sourcewell
Tapping into the benefits of an electric vehicle fleet may seem overwhelming at first. However, the professionals at Sourcewell have what it takes to successfully guide your strategy.
They partner with several groups to promote EVs and other equipment on contract. These partnerships and cooperative contracts can help you leverage collective buying power and procure the equipment and infrastructure that you need now and in the future.
Sourcewell can help your school or government with the following:
- Sourcing uncommon equipment from partner organizations such as The Collaborative, including charging ports, school buses, and light-duty/heavy-duty vehicles
- Accessing equipment at lower price points, ensuring that your organization remains under or within its means
- Acquiring equipment faster than traditional RFPs, helping you find and discuss pertinent details with competitively solicited suppliers
It only takes a few minutes to register your organization with Sourcewell, and joining doesn’t cost a dime.
See how easy it is to optimize every aspect of your fleet—cut costs and improve safety using Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing program. Streamline the public procurement process by choosing from hundreds of suppliers already on contract. Sourcewell’s procurement experts competitively solicit and award contracts on behalf of 50,000 participating agencies in North America. Check out our contracts here.
