If your fleet is currently operating with diesel-fueled shuttles, it’s time to consider the numerous benefits of switching to clean fuel. From the massive savings to your budget to the collective effort to improve our air quality by cutting down on carbon emissions, the benefits are overwhelmingly positive.
Local, state, and federal governments are launching initiatives to speed up the adoption of clean technology, mandating strictly zero-emission vehicle sales. California executive order N-72-20, for example, requires that one hundred percent of passenger car and truck sales must be of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by the year 2035.
While you have some time to wait, manufacturers do not, which in turn has sped up the advancement of Zero Emission Vehicle or ZEV, technology, and infrastructure, allowing for massive savings for those who choose to make the switch now.
Before you go shopping, let's dive into the five reasons why you should be considering making the switch to a clean vehicle today.
1.) Diesel is harmful to the environment.
The US Energy Information Administration projected that in 2019, diesel fuel usage in the transportation sector accounted for 456 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) dramatically reduces the impact of our transportation sector's diesel usage.
But due to the cost of this fuel and the need for old fleets to purchase new engines to use ULSD, it is not a sustainable option long-term. Fleets that are looking to reduce their environmental impact AND create cost savings need another alternative.
2.) Carbon reducing or eliminating options are readily available.
A common solution on the market is substituting diesel fuel in internal combustion engines with clean natural gas. There are two natural gas options, including CNG, which comprises methane, and LPG, which contains propane and/or butane.
These alternatives can reduce carbon emissions in your fleet anywhere from 6% to 11%, representing a significant drop in your fleet's impact on the environment. CNG shuttles also provide great cost benefits over diesel fuel.
Electric shuttles have been quickly taking over fleets across America. EVs provide a total reduction in carbon emission from your tailpipe to zero, the most significant reduction you can find for a fleet vehicle. Charging costs for fleets are also significantly cheaper than using diesel or clean natural gas.
Solar and wind technology advancements have already shown decreases in energy costs. As EVs are adopted and sustainable energy increases, the demand for fuels for electricity production will significantly decrease. This will be a major change that will further decrease electricity costs, especially on the commercial side.
Each of these alternatives has many benefits for our environment and your fleet’s budget, but some necessary operational changes can be difficult to overcome.
With the new era of electric vehicles upon us and so many clean fuel options, why would you consider using a fuel reaching the end of its era like diesel?
3.) CNG is easy to implement into your operation.
Many put off the switch to cleaner fuel for their fleet simply because they don't want to worry about restructuring their operation. CNG is commercially available to buy or lease and can be implemented easily through a depot. And if your fleet doesn't have its own depot, CNG will be available at a nearby depot where it can be leased to your fleet.
With CNG, your fleet will have the opportunity to purchase fuel in bulk, which helps you decrease your fuel cost and more easily forecast your fuel expenditures. While this is a significant factor for fleets looking to save, it still is not the most budget-friendly option for your fleet long term.
4.) Zero-Emission Vehicles help your fleet save on more than fuel costs.
Decreasing your fuel cost is an easy way to reduce your fleet's operational costs, but many don't realize the other cost-saving benefits of switching to a Zero Emission Fleet. With a simple drivetrain, one gear, and a brushless motor, electric shuttles are as maintenance-efficient as they are energy-efficient. There is no oil, transmission fluid, filters, or spark plugs that need replacement to maintain a vehicle's reliability.
Recommended replacement cycles for electric shuttles extend your operational use over 100% so you can keep your fleet operating at full capacity without the worries of consistent maintenance hurting your drive cycles.
After working with parking operator SP+ to convert to electric shuttle buses at their San Diego off-airport location, Aladdin Parking, they saw a 25% decrease in their yearly maintenance cost in the first year.
CNG vehicles do not benefit from maintenance cost savings, which is a longer-term strategy for those savvy in fleet management planning.
While electric vehicles boast so many benefits, there is still a benefit to using CNG as a transition fuel.
5.) Prepare your fleet for the imminent EV revolution
Electric Vehicle technology is advancing rapidly, quickly decreasing the total cost of ownership and increasing available infrastructure. If your fleet's location limits its ability to access local electricity infrastructure for charging, you may consider using CNG as a transition fuel before going completely electric.
One problem many fleets face is adjusting their operation to fit their new energy of choice. Electric vehicles and CNGs both lack widespread fueling infrastructure like gas stations, requiring fleets to fuel their vehicles on-site. While electric vehicles may require an overhaul of local infrastructure, CNG fleets can purchase or lease a fueling station from the many corporate suppliers serving their area.
This means you can comfortably switch fuels while also preparing yourself for electric vehicle mandates. Your fleet operators will get the needed practice of managing fueling themselves before making the switch.
CNG also allows fleets to maintain their current drive cycles, whereas EVs may require a clever readjustment of drive cycles and routes to fit the charge time needed to drive long routes.
While lack of infrastructure may be a daunting challenge to battle for your fleet conversion, many organizations specializing in fleet electrification can help. By aligning all stakeholders' interests and managing the infrastructure setup, you can forget the burden of organizing your electrification.
Please leave it to the experts to get your fleet ready to operate and enjoy the big-budget savings and environmental impact from deciding to go electric.
While many are frightened by the’ high sticker prices, it is clear the fuel and maintenance savings will decrease the total cost of ownership of your fleet drastically over diesel or CNG.
Reducing carbon emissions has become an important goal for people and corporations worldwide. While many have taken the initiative on their own to move to Zero-Emission Vehicles, the new legislature will continue to speed up its implementation in our fleets.
If you consider making a change from diesel, we recommended starting conversations with fleet conversion experts immediately.
Fleets innovative enough to make the switch now will not only take part in reversing the damage we have done to our planet but take advantage of the massive cost savings that come from fuel, maintenance, and available funding for the adoption of electric vehicles.