Electric Vehicles: Good for Business Fleets
In 2017, Cielo Electric acquired a silver Chevrolet BOLT EV as our primary work/commuter vehicle. We are proud to be a Diamond Member of the West Coast Electric Fleets Initiative, committing to electrify our business vehicles and lower our operating GHG emissions.
West Coast Electric Fleets is an initiative of the Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC), a joint initiative of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia to accelerate a vibrant, low-carbon economy on the West Coast. On October 28, 2013, the Governors and Premier of the PCC jurisdictions announced the Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy. A key element of the action plan was to “take actions to expand the use of zero-emission vehicles, aiming for 10 percent of new vehicle purchases in public and private fleets by 2016.” Link to West Coast Electric Fleets Website for more information
We use our BOLT EV as a primary vehicle for all city driving, visiting job sites, visiting customers to conduct estimates, picking up equipment and running errands. We have traveled approximately 45,000kms since purchasing the vehicle in March of 2017.
The BOLT EV is rated by National Resources Canada at achieving an overall driving range of 383km in optimal conditions. During the summer our BOLT EV computer estimates driving range at approximately 420km when the ambient temperature is above 20 deg. C. In the dead of winter, the overall estimated range drops to approximately 320kms. For argument’s sake, let us round it down to a usable 300kms of range.
News about EV range loss was more apparent this year due to the extreme cold in many parts of the USA and Canada. While those folks enjoy the deep freeze, Vancouverites thrive in the tropical winter weather on the West Coast. This is one of the most important reasons why our region is so well suited to electric vehicles.
For discussion’s sake, here is a snapshot of a day’s travel in and around Metro Vancouver using our BOLT EV. This vehicle is capable of handling this commute (and more) with absolute ease.
Points for consideration as follows:
- Date: February 11, 2019
- Average ambient temperature: -4 degrees Celsius
- Total distance: 164.05 km with 8 stops
- Total energy used: 33.62 kWH,
- Cost of this energy: $4.62 pre-tax, (cost of energy based on Step 2 of residential conservation rate.
In contrast, our Chevrolet van averages 18 litres per 100km. If we chose to use that vehicle for this trip, it would have cost us around $40.00 (based on a gas price $1.39 per litre) As you can imagine, switching to an EV has saved us thousands in fuel.
This discussion focusses solely on electricity vs gas savings. When you tally up the costs savings regular maintenance items found in an ICE vehicle, it is quite astonishing.
This isn’t to say that the BOLT EV doesn’t require scheduled maintenance intervals, the vehicle still has an annual service that covers safety inspection, battery diagnostics, and fluid top ups. This costs us approximately $120 a year.
As EV specialists, our team hears a variety of opinions about the viability and practicality of electric vehicles. These positions may be due to limited battery range, perceived infrequency of charging stations, battery degradation myths and a limited variety of vehicle size. You name it, we have heard it!
We feel that, while electric vehicles are not for everyone, they have an excellent place in our region as daily commuters, delivery vehicles and in fleet applications, where users can analyze driving patterns and pick the appropriate vehicle to meet their needs. We speak to many families that have chosen an EV as a second vehicle and still have the ability to use their minivan or truck for long distance trips, hauling and camping. Their EV does the daily work commute. while the gas guzzler defaults to the family member that does the least driving.
If you want to learn more about electric vehicles or setting up EV charging in your home, commercial property or strata building, call Cielo Electric and we can provide a simple solution to get you on the road with a full charge.
Call 778-862-4109 or visit www.cieloelectric.ca for more information
