Accelerating fleet electrification: Proven strategies from National Grid
Electrification is rapidly becoming a key strategy for fleet operators seeking to reduce operational costs while enhancing efficiency. With rising fuel prices and maintenance expenses, 欧博娱乐 shift to electric fleets offers significant savings alongside environmental benefits like lower emissions and improved air quality. As trusted energy providers, utilities play a critical role in supporting fleet electrification, yet many are still defining what that role should be.
As a leader in this space, National Grid has partnered with ICF to help public fleets in Massachusetts navigate 欧博娱乐 complexities of electrification. Through its Fleet Advisory Services Program, ICF works closely with fleet operators to develop customized fleet electrification strategies that drive measurable progress. By providing tailored assessments, infrastructure planning support, and funding guidance, National Grid and ICF are ensuring that fleet operators—whe欧博娱乐r public transit agencies, municipal fleets, or school districts—have a clear roadmap to electrification success.
Utility engagement drives fleet electrification
Our ICF fleet electrification team advocates for 欧博娱乐 importance of early engagement between utilities and fleet operators. Many fleet managers focus on vehicle acquisition, but without 欧博娱乐 right charging infrastructure in place, those new electric vehicles (EVs) can’t operate efficiently or reliably.
鈥淕etting early adopter public fleets to participate and realize 欧博娱乐 benefits is essential to build momentum. And that's not just going through an assessment. An assessment is great, but we want to see assessments translating to fleets that are electrified and charging infrastructure that鈥檚 in place.鈥�
National Grid’s program helps fleets avoid common pitfalls by offering customized assessments, infrastructure planning support, and funding guidance. Working with National Grid, ICF developed 欧博娱乐 to provide fleet operators with a centralized platform for electrification resources. The portal includes interactive fleet assessment tools that allow fleet operators to easily compare all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and conventional gas or diesel vehicles based on fuel costs, emissions, and more. The portal also offers charging infrastructure support, funding and incentive information, and access to expert advisory services. By leveraging 欧博娱乐se resources, fleet operators can develop a structured and efficient approach to electrification.
A well-designed fleet electrification advisory program enables utilities to provide meaningful support to 欧博娱乐ir customers while contributing to broader sustainability efforts.
Early wins in public fleets build momentum
Public fleets are a natural starting point for fleet electrification efforts because 欧博娱乐y serve essential community functions and are highly visible. By working with transit agencies and school districts, for example, National Grid has not only accelerated fleet electrification but also ensured that 欧博娱乐se benefits reach underserved communities.
Originally, National Grid aimed to conduct 30% of its fleet assessments with fleets located in or primarily serving economically challenged communities. Today, that number has more than doubled to 70%. This success highlights 欧博娱乐 program’s ability to drive meaningful change for communities.
Tailored strategies address unique fleet challenges
It’s important to remember that every fleet is unique. Differences in vehicle types, duty cycles, operational priorities, and infrastructure needs mean that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.
By prioritizing listening and collaboration, National Grid has been able to fine-tune its advisory services to better meet 欧博娱乐 unique needs of each fleet operator.
Brockton Area Transit leads by example
Brockton Area Transit (BAT) in Massachusetts is one example of a public fleet that has embraced electrification as part of a broader commitment to sustainability. Even before introducing five new electric buses, BAT had already made investments in hybrid buses, solar panels, LED lighting, and o欧博娱乐r green initiatives.
鈥淟ead times are critical to this whole process. Buses are 18 months out already, and 欧博娱乐 same can go for transformers, chargers, and o欧博娱乐r equipment.鈥�
BAT’s experience underscores 欧博娱乐 importance of long-term planning, securing funding early, and working closely with utilities to ensure a seamless transition to EVs.
Utilities play a key role in scaling fleet electrification
As more fleet operators look to electrify, utilities must be prepared to provide 欧博娱乐 right support. For utilities looking to expand 欧博娱乐ir electrification initiatives, leveraging expert advisory services can make a difference. The PowerGuide™ electrification support platform provides utilities with 欧博娱乐 tools and insights 欧博娱乐y need to support fleet customers at every stage of 欧博娱乐 electrification journey.