The Benefits of an Electric Utility Vehicle
An electric utility vehicle is ideal for navigating rugged terrain and weather conditions. It is quieter and less prone to emissions compared to its traditional gasoline counterparts.
In addition to reducing carbon footprints, this type of vehicle can also improve work productivity. It can also save on fuel costs and maintenance expenses.
Power
Electric vehicles do not burn fuel and therefore produce no emissions. The power they produce comes from batteries, which can be charged quickly, allowing for greater range. This is important for many fleet applications, such as transporting loads to and from warehouses. The energy stored in batteries can also help to reduce the need for diesel-powered generators, reducing operating costs and maintenance downtime.
For these reasons, more and more companies are switching to EUVs. This includes package delivery and courier companies like DHL, Frito-Lay, Comcast, and Amazon, as well as commercial and industrial facilities that use specialized EUVs for landscaping jobs or snow removal. Other uses for EUVs include pulling trailers, towing boats and equipment, or maneuvering in tight spaces.
North America has the most mature warehousing ecosystem in the world, which is propelling growth in the electric industrial utility vehicle market. Factors such as a large e-commerce industry and an established 3PL network have helped drive warehousing operations in this region, and material handling equipment manufacturers are developing advanced electric utility vehicles for this space. Hyster Yale, Caterpillar, Clark Material Handling Company, Noblelift, and Vallee are some of the leading players in the North American market.
Many utilities are partnering with auto makers to explore vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration and other ways to manage grid stress and support the transition to EVs. For example, the Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic is factory-equipped with a combined Level 1 and Level 2 EV charge cord that allows owners to recharge at home or work.
Efficiency
Electric Utility Vehicles operate much more efficiently than traditional vehicles, resulting in fewer emissions and less energy consumption. As a result, they can help reduce smog and noise pollution, and save money for businesses by saving on fuel costs and maintenance. They can also benefit the environment by reducing the need to mine for fossil fuels and reduce energy waste from battery power conversion.
The efficiency of EVs depends on many factors, including the vehicle mass, drivetrain motor type, and battery technology. Regression analysis reveals that vehicle mass is the largest contributor to EV energy consumption, with each additional kilogram 4 seater golf cart increasing energy use by about 0.4-1.3 kWh/100 km. The analysis suggests that lowering the average mass of EVs could improve energy consumption by about 30-40 percent.
EVs can also provide cost savings by reducing the demand on existing utility infrastructure. For example, shifting EV charging away from peak demand periods can lower electricity rates by 0.8-1.0% and decrease incremental generation and distribution system investment costs by 1.6-2.4 %. These benefits are especially pronounced for light vehicles that can charge with standard wall outlets.
While there are a number of benefits to EVs, it’s important for managers to plan for the long-term when implementing an EV fleet. A trusted electrical contractor can walk them through the process and advise on the best solution for their organization’s needs.
Reliability
The electric utility vehicle industry has been around for more than 150 years. Originally, it was used as an alternative means of low-speed transportation to fossil fuel vehicles. Its reliability has always been a critical factor for potential buyers. They need the ability to zoom across jobsites or large properties and the power to haul loads of dirt and gear. They need a safe drivetrain with minimal moving parts for lower maintenance costs.
According to 2022 data from Consumer Reports, EV reliability is a real Electric Utility Vehicle concern for many new-car buyers. It’s not the battery or electric motors that give them problems, but the body hardware, steering/suspension, paint and trim, climate systems, and other features that can go wrong.
It’s not only a problem for consumers, but also for the companies that manufacture them. GM CEO Mary Barra has said that the company would no longer build “crappy cars,” but problems with the Chevy Bolt and Equinox EV are hurting sales. Even perceived quality-leader Toyota has suffered from wheels falling off of its new bZ4X SUV.
The North American market is an attractive one for EV manufacturers. Factors like a large e-commerce sector and an extensive 3PL network contribute to its growth. This has attracted material handling equipment companies such as Hyster Yale, Caterpillar, Clark Equipment, Noblelift, and others to invest in this growing industry.
Maintenance
For the facility managers that maintain fleets of electric vehicles, the potential savings on fuel and maintenance costs can be substantial. However, while EVs require less maintenance than ICE vehicles, they do not operate completely trouble-free. The battery, for example, can depreciate over time and must be serviced to keep the maximum range at a consistent level. Likewise, other parts like the power steering, cabin air filter, suspension, and door locks can need replacement from time to time.
According to a recent Consumer Reports study, BEVs and PHEVs require fewer repairs and maintenance tasks than their ICE counterparts. However, the study did not account for all of the costs that are unique to EVs.
Maintenance for EVs includes things like tire rotation, replacing the wiper blades and windshield washer fluid, lubricating the door locks, and checking and topping off the coolant levels for the battery pack, cabin heater, and accessory power and charger modules. EV owners are also advised to keep the battery charged and not let it drop below a certain level, as this can impact its lifespan.
Other issues can arise for EVs, including tires that need to be replaced due to wear and tear, and brakes that can depreciate over time. It is recommended that drivers use regenerative braking as much as possible to add power back to the battery, and check the EV manual for recommendations on how often to replace the brake pads and discs.
