Drive EV Fleets

Conventional hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, but they are not primarily fueled by electricity. The battery is charged through regenerative braking, which captures energy and converts it into electricity during braking. They do not utilize plug-in charging and are not included as part of the Collaborative.

The two primary types of plug-in electric vehicles are battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs, similar to conventional hybrids, are made up of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. However, PHEV batteries can be charged by plugging into an outlet, providing the vehicle a limited electric range. When the battery is depleted, the internal combustion engine takes over. BEVs only utilize an electric motor and run solely on electricity from the grid by plugging into an outlet or charging station, replacing gasoline entirely.

BEVs and PHEVs alike both have superior energy-use efficiency and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to their ICE counterparts, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%. The graphic below highlights the annual fuel savings of BEVs and PHEVs compared to ICE vehicles. It is important to note that the emission figures were calculated with current average electricity grid sources; if the electricity supplied were from renewable sources, the emissions would be zero for BEVs and significantly lower for PHEVs (depending on how often electric is used).

Charging time depends on the size of the vehicle’s battery and the level of charging. There are three types of charging: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, also known as Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC).

A one-to-one ratio of vehicles to chargers is not necessarily recommended, as not all vehicles will need to charge simultaneously. The Electrification Coalition can work with your fleet to determine the appropriate level of charging infrastructure, beyond the Level 1 charging cables that come with each vehicle, if needed. Some fleets may also want to explore Level 2 or DCFC options for vehicles with greater charging demands.

Telematics is the use of technology to track the movement and performance of vehicles. The data available from this technology typically includes GPS and performance metrics such as speed, fuel used, and miles traveled. Telematics systems can also access engine diagnostic codes to troubleshoot maintenance issues, monitor battery health, and more. Telematics data is collected by a device connected to the vehicle’s diagnostic systems or engine control unit.

Telematics data is useful in the context of electric vehicles because it allows fleet managers to better evaluate the use needs of each vehicle, identify the best electric replacement options, and more accurately calculate potential fuel and maintenance savings of transitioning to electric vehicles.

Training on maintaining electric vehicles is often available through vehicle manufacturers (OEM). We can work through our contacts at the vehicle OEMs to arrange local training through their dealership networks. Fortunately, EVs require significantly less maintenance compared to ICE vehicles, so they need less out-of-service time. As an example, even most plug-in hybrid EVs often only need oil change services every two to three years.

There is no surcharge per vehicle or cost to participate in Drive EV Fleets.

This program has already aggregated volume to bring competitive pricing for everyone. As a governmental peer, Sourcewell can leverage its 50,000+ members to secure competitive solutions. As a governmental agency, Sourcewell can work with other governmental agencies through joint powers laws and cooperative purchasing statues, in a not-for-profit manner. Pricing is not negotiable, however certain leasing and purchasing structures may result in incentives that can lower vehicle purchase prices.

Leasing can allow public entities to achieve savings from federal tax credits that they otherwise would not have the tax burden for. In a lease, since the private leasing entity retains ownership of the vehicle for the length of the lease term (generally 24 – 36 months), they are eligible to apply for the federal electric vehicle tax credit. The leasing entity then passes on a majority of those savings through in the lease term. Certain leasing structures allow for vehicles to be purchased and owned by the fleet at the end of the lease term.

The leasing companies on contract evaluate the incentive opportunities on a state-by-state basis. To learn more about the cost savings of electric vehicle leasing, check out the case study, here.

Through a contract administrative fee with vendors, but that fee is not passed on to members.

Decaling and extra keys can be accommodated with additional related costs.

Sourcewell is open to all public agencies. We have recently partnered with Second Nature to accelerate EV deployment at colleges and universities around the country.

Visit www.sourcewell-mn.gov/register and click “Register Online.” Registration is free (and fast).

It is helpful to train staff on the use of EVs as there is generally a slight learning curve. Some cities have found it useful to introduce EVs to employees gradually, such as through Ride and Drive events. These events allow staff to try EVs, and once staff have tried them, they find that EVs offer a superior driving experience. Staff should be trained on the range of EVs, faster acceleration, regenerative braking, and charging. The Electrification Coaltion can provide instructional resources to assist in this training process.

Many fleets that have deployed EVs have used the transition as a positive marketing opportunity for the city. With the many benefits that come with driving electric—cost savings, fuel savings, environmental benefits, and more—there are many positive messages a city can promote. Some cities have wrapped the vehicles to highlight these positive messages, and some have worked with the city marketing team to promote the vehicles.