Fleet Electrification Guide

Click the questions to expand:

  • Myth #1: Electric vehicles are worse for the climate than gasoline cars because of battery manufacturing.

    Fact #1: The greenhouse gas emissions associated with an electric vehicle over its lifetime are typically lower than those from an average gasoline-powered vehicle, even when accounting for manufacturing.

    Read more here.

  • Electrification is the trend! It’s predicted that owning an EV will be significantly cheaper than owning a gasoline or diesel vehicle by 2030, saving you upwards of $1,300 per vehicle per year (Deloitte). Additionally, the monthly energy costs for EVs are 69% lower than that of traditional vehicles (US Department of Energy).

    However, there are still many considerations: limits on driving range, charging infrastructure availability and costs, charging route planning, driver retraining, etc.

    Electrification sounds like a simple word, but in reality, it takes careful planning!

  • Is your vehicle currently…

    …A light duty vehicle?

    …Driving 120-200 miles a day?

    …Getting poor fuel economy (less than 23 mpg)?

    …Idling often?

    …Parked at the same location consistently?

    Consider electrifying now if you answer “yes” to most questions.

  • Today’s electric vehicle marketplace is more varied than ever.

    Battery-Powered Electric Vehicle (BEV): purely electric, no internal combustion engine (ICE).

    From cradle to grave, EVs emit 50 to 51% less CO2 than ICE vehicles – and this equation includes the emissions created by recharging the BEV's battery from the grid.

    Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV): has a small internal combustion engine called “range extender” which increases the EREV’s driving range.

    An EREV will create CO2 when its small range extender motor is operating, but not when the EREV is using its electric power.

    Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) or Plug-In Hybrid: uses an electric motor and gas engine to operate.

    The gas-powered motor can work together with the electric motor, or separately on its own, which creates much better fuel efficiency than traditional ICE vehicles.

    Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): combines a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) propulsion system with an electric propulsion system (hybrid vehicle drivetrain).

    The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve better fuel economy and performance.

    Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, instead of an internal combustion engine.

    Most Fuel Cell Vehicles are classified as ZEVs — Zero Emission Vehicles that emit only water and heat.

    For information about specific models and brands that you can find in each category, check out this article!

  • Electric batteries have lower energy density than gasoline, which results in heavier weight and shorter range.

    Currently, a typical battery electric vehicle (BEV) has a range of 100 to 300 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for most single-day city transportation. Delivery vans, ambulances, and mail trucks are all good candidates for battery-powered operation.

    However, if your route goes through remote areas with few charging stations, you may want to consider a hybrid electric option.

    Range estimates for specific EVs are available from the Find A Car tool —click on the car you are interested in, and check out the “EPA Fuel Economy” line in the table.

  • Currently, there are 10 fast charging stations in Charlottesville and 21 in Albemarle County. Find charging stations near your location here.

    You may also want to consider procuring your own charging infrastructure if you run a larger organization.

  • After reading through the above questions, you may be interested in evaluating the financial impacts of a fleet transition. There are two simple calculators you can use to help determine:

  • These companies provide fleet electrification and management solutions (Electrification-as-a-Service or EaaS):

    *C3 has no affiliation with any of these organizations. Please discriminate information with caution.