NYC and LA Are Teaming Up to Fight for EVs

US federal incentives for electric vehicles are disappearing, creating uncertainty for automakers and fleet operators. Government fleets are a strong match because vehicle use is predictable, charging can be managed more precisely, and current ranges of about 250 to 400 miles per charge can meet needs. EVs can reduce fueling and maintenance costs compared with conventional vehicles. Private operators continue adopting EVs when the economics work. New York City’s experience with battery electrics shows improved vehicle energy economy by 6 percent after partnering with the US Department of Transportation. Governments still need to learn where EVs fit best and share best practices with other cities. Officials must proactively engage city workers, including retraining maintenance staff for EV systems.

"“Manufacturers would really like to know what the future will be and what are the rules,” says Mike Finnern, the senior vice president and zero-emission fleet lead at WSP, a consulting firm. Guarantees of large, future orders from fleet managers like city governments, but also private businesses, “will help them be stable for a while.”"

"EVs are a nice fit for government fleets, Finnern says. Surveys suggest that regular car buyers are still plenty apprehensive about shifting to a plug-in from gas cars they're used to, and they want cars with even longer ranges, even if they seldom use the whole battery. But governments know exactly how their vehicles are used, can more precisely control charging, and are able to see that today's ranges of 250 to 400 miles per charge fit their needs fine. Plus, EVs might help governments save money on fueling and maintenance."

"“I regret every electric and hybrid vehicle we haven't bought yet,” says Kerman. “It would've shielded us from the doubling of fuel costs that we're now enduring.” By partnering with the US Department of Transportation, his agency has found that switching to battery electrics improves New York City's vehicle energy economy by 6 percent."

"Still, both governments say they have plenty to learn about how and where EVs fit best and that the partnership will help them share and create best practices so that other cities might eventually follow. One big takeaway from the government's experience so far is that officials need to be proactive and mindful about getting city workers on board. There are technical challenges-maintenance workers need to be retrained to maintain EVs instead of gas-powered vehicles, and ev"

Read at WIRED