Broome County tests EV from Vantage Vehicle
The county passenger fleet in Broome County, New York (halfway between Buffalo and NYC) used about 191,000 gallons of fuel, at a cost of $468,000, in 2006. While the county cut back and used 6,000 fewer gallons in 2007, the total cost for the fuel went up (we all know why) by $5,000. With numbers like these, it's easy to understand why county government officials were excited to see the Vantage Vehicle electric van last week. Government employees were able to test drive the Vantage and a peek at the county's 2008 numbers suggests that they're probably excited to give electric drive a shot. The county has already spent $497,00 on about 150,000 gallons of fuel in 2008. They expect to use about 200,000 before 2008 the year up.
The EVan was brought to Broome County by CleanVehiclesNY, a company that distributes EVs from Miles Electric Vehicles, Vantage Vehicles, Star Electric Vehicles, Bravo Electric Vehicles and EVS Electric Vehicles.
[Source: Go Broome County]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Luke 8:41AM (10/13/2008)
Well, since the vehicle has a maximum speed of 25 mph, I hope those government workers have something to do while they drive. I know that in the public sector, anyone who can spend all their time in a van is someone who can be eliminated.
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Glenn 12:11PM (10/13/2008)
To understand if the employees will be spending much more time in the car, you'd have to evaluate how much time they spend now, and determine how far they typically go in a day. If an employee needs to ever get on the freeway, or any other higher speed thoroughfare, then this van isn't appropriate.
I was in Sacramento last week and i noticed 2 employees, driving a Ford Ranger with a camper shell, checking on the the new parking meter stations the city has set up around town. I thought "what a perfect application for an electric vehicle" They drive around downtown, at low speeds through traffic, from station to station. They're probably only driving 15 or 20 miles a day. Maybe they currently use the freeway on occasion, but there's nowhere you can't get to on surface streets. I'm certain that they would spend no more time in the van than they currently do in the truck. And at the end of the day they drive to the city yard to park it for the night like they always do.
I'm sure this vehicle is not suitable for every application. But how brilliant is it for cities to begin the migration to electric vehicles? $$$ savings on gas and maintenance and no downtown smog forming emissions.
Hugh 10:35AM (10/31/2008)
Congratulations to both Luke and Glenn for insight (albeit from differing perspectives) that demonstrate some of the challenges facing anyone in government looking to implement electric vehicles into their fleet.
While they are not for everyone, or all applications, EVs have surely a role to play in the future configuration of any progressive fleet management model. This can only be a win-win for any municipality and tax payer alike.
With a little imagination and cross-learning between organizations, the best level of investment and its application for any company or organization, large or small can become apparent and get fleet managers over the "Leap of faith" that is sometimes needed to move to any new technology.
Ask any IT manager over the last 20 years???
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