Electricity
As one of the most common alternative fuels, electricity can be used to power electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid (PHEVs), and hybrid electrical vehicles (HEVs).
The Basics
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In EVs, onboard batteries store energy to power one or more electric motors. These batteries are charged using electricity from the grid and energy recaptured during braking, known as regenerative braking. Vehicles that run only on electricity produce no tailpipe emissions, but there might be upstream emissions associated with the production and energy supply.
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For many fleets that own EV the majority of charging occurs at fleet facilities (or at home for private consumers) which is typically lower cost than using public chargers. Some employers even provide EV workplace charging. As for public charging, the infrastructure is constantly expanding and vehicle technology is accelerating, leading to decrease range anxiety. Many public chargers of which are shopping centers, public parking garages and lots, hotels, restaurants and businesses.
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Driving electric vehicles provide a lot of benefits such as improved fuel economy, lower fuel costs, and reduced emissions leading to improved air quality. Using electricity as a power source for transportation has many advantages that contributes to a more resilient transportation system:
Energy security and resilience:
supports the U.S. economy by diversifying the U.S. transportation fleet
multiple fuel sources results in more secure energy source that strengthens national energy security
Fuel economy
today’s light-duty all-electric vehicle can exceed 130 miles per gallon
all-electric vehicles maintain a strong fuel-to-cost advantage over their conventional counterparts
Costs
lower cost to “fill the tank”
reduced need for maintenance
potential governmental incentive (federal and maybe state)
Batteries:
several manufacturers offer 8-year or 100,000 mile warranty on batteries
based on data collected, NREL says that batteries in moderate climates may last 12-15 year
Public Health and Environmental Health
little to zero tailpipe emissions based on all-electric or hybrid vehicles
based on geographic areas energy source, there is significantly lower life cycle emissions
What are the options?
All-Electric Vehicles
Or battery electric vehicles, have a battery that is charged by plugging the vehicle into charging equipment. It is always in all-electric mode and has ranges varying between 150-400 miles.
The Different Chargers
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
PHEV’s are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. They can operate in all-electric mode for about 20-40 miles depending on manufacturer and then transition to use solely gasoline.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
HEV’s are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors that use energy stored in a battery. It is fueled by gasoline to operate the internal combustion engine while the battery is charged by breaking. Newest models have a range of 500+ miles.
Charging stations near you
The Alternative Fuel Data Center has a great database of all the electric chargers across the United States. You can filter the different charger types as well as connector types based on what you are looking for.
Electricity prices are less volatile than gasoline/diesel, making it easier to predict fuel costs over time.
Electric Vehicles for Fleets
Electric vehicles can fulfill many daily driving needs, making them a great solution for fleets. They offer many benefits and can fill roles in light-duty (LD), medium/heavy-duty (MD/HD), and even off-road applications. Check out the Alternative Fuel Data Center for more information on how it might fit your organization’s needs.
Benefits are very similar for fleets
Lower costs upfront due to federal incentives and because EV’s offer a high fuel economy
Performance features such as maximum torque and smooth acceleration can match or surpass performance of conventional counterparts
Can also serve as an energy source for off-board equipment such as power tools or lights through multiple electric outlets
Reduced maintenance as the battery, motor, and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance, with fewer fluids and due to regenerative breaking, less need to replace breaks
Should you be concerned about EV fires?
The short answer is no, statistically EVs experience less frequent fires than conventionally fueled vehicles. This was found from a study done between 2013-2017 by the Highway Traffic Safety Administration exploring the frequency of fires occurring during fatal vehicle crashes. The National Transportation Safety Board also found that EVs were involved in 25 fires for every 100,000 sold while 1,530 gasoline-powered vehicles for every 100,000 sold were involved in fires.
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EV fires typically arise when the high-voltage battery system catches fire or is otherwise compromised.
If a battery cell overheats, it can trigger neighboring cells that creates a chain reaction called thermal runaway. Due to thermal runaway, the fire may not start immediately after a crash or impact, it may occur hours or days later.
Lithium-ion fires burn hotter than gasoline fires and can damage nearby vehicles or structures faster than a traditional car fire.
Since battery packs are usually mounted low on the chassis, the fire often starts underneath the vehicle.
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Physical damage to the battery pack
Manufacturing defects
Faulty charging equipment
Extreme temperatures
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Functioning thermal management systems
Robust crash protection
Software to manage battery
Safe charging practices
Regular maintenance
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There are many resources out there for first responders such as this document created by the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The TVCCC even puts on first responder trainings once a year for local first responders to gain the resources and skills needed to combat EV fires.