Adopting EV in the Public Sector: Operational Issues Facing Fleet Managers
Despite the relaxation of government-mandated targets and a reduction in public sector subsidies for lower emission transportation, many states continue to procure EVs for their transit fleets, school buses and other state agency vehicles. While commitments to zero emissions within the next few years will bring many benefits to local communities, they are posing some implementation challenges to public sector fleet managers whose duties now include overseeing the modernization of municipal transport vehicles and utility trucks that are vital for the maintenance of key public sector infrastructure. Improved charging facilities, more training opportunities for maintenance technicians and a wider selection of electric trucks will help to address some of the issues facing transport managers and smooth the increasingly rapid transition to public sector EVs.
Load Capping to Control Vehicle Charging Events
Over a third of EV buyers are encouraged by improved charging infrastructure, charging speed and driving range but increasing the reliability of charging still remains an issue.
Fleet managers already responsible for charging a large number of EVs at any one time may also be responsible for the purchase of new electric cars, buses and trucks. To comply with safety regulations, new utility EVs are delivered without fully charged batteries. While a reduced State of Charge protects vehicle batteries from draining completely during transport, it means that charging on arrival requires careful planning. Preparing new vehicles requires upgrades to improve power capacity and reliability, ensuring fast charging for multiple vehicles while avoiding connectivity or maintenance issues.
Load capping ensures electrical demand stays within limits to avoid tripping a main breaker or overloading a local transformer. More generally, managed charging takes into account wholesale energy costs, Time of Use (TOU) pricing plans, and grid carbon intensity so that fleet managers can mitigate costs and manage charging speeds, especially when dealing with larger fleets.
Fleet managers are also responsible for scheduling regular vehicle maintenance.
JENNIFER DAWSON
Expansion of EV Truck Market to Meet Fleet Requirements
Along with improvements in charging capacity for the existing fleet, managers would also like a wider choice of electric trucks for public works, transportation, and haulage. Since California began its transition to electric vehicles in 2012, about a third of states have adopted a requirement for state agencies to run zero-emission fleets. However, many fleet operators are concerned about the limited selection of larger EV trucks and would welcome more variety with better mileage range and higher maximum payloads than are currently available. In response, falling battery costs and scaling up manufacturing are increasing both the variety of electric truck models and their driving range on a single charge. According to the independent financial think tank Carbon Tracker, the latest analysis of the heavy truck industry predicts a rapid shift to electric trucks from 2030 onwards that could reshape the global truck market sooner than expected.
Upskilling to Overcome Lack of Specialized EV Technicians
Beyond overseeing the purchase and charging of new public service EVs, fleet managers also schedule regular vehicle maintenance. EVs require specialist expertise in electrical systems, but few mechanics are qualified to service them, and upskilling traditional mechanics takes time and funding. While the proportion of EVs remains small, public sector fleet managers can use shared technician services within regional networks for routine depot maintenance. In the longer term, to help meet the growing need for EV technicians, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation is allocating almost $10 million through its Ride and Drive Electric funding opportunity. Some of this money will go toward the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), which provides training and certification to install EV supply equipment.
As several states and municipal governments remain committed to net-zero targets, a key part of a fleet manager’s role is overseeing the expanded use of electric vehicles. While EVs bring many financial, environmental, and health benefits, managers still face hurdles in their adoption. Carefully managed charging, a growing selection of heavy trucks for municipal services, and more funding to upskill traditional mechanics will help ensure the public sector’s transition to EVs runs more smoothly.
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