Fleet vehicles go electric
Are electric vehicles a good solution for your business?
More businesses are adopting electric vehicles (EVs). Here are some facts to consider.
Cost efficient
EVs could be boon for your bottom line. While the initial purchase price might be higher for EVs, you could save over the long haul. Drivers are reporting significant savings on fuel and other operational expenses. (No engine? That means no oil changes and no tune-ups.) With gas at $3.50 a gallon, you could save 75 percent on fuel costs. See our gasoline vs. EV comparison chart. (PDF)
Practical
EVs are no longer a futuristic idea; they are practical and work for real people, real businesses. You now have plenty of choices — there is a growing list of electric cars and electric delivery vans on the market that can meet your business needs. They are a great option for vehicles used less than 100 miles per day.
What if you need to charge up during the day? Charging stations are popping up all over the Northwest. Your business may even qualify for a free EV charging station as part The EV Project, a federally funded program run by ECOtality. But hurry — the program ends at the end of 2011.
Local, sustainable
If sustainable business practices are a priority for your company, adding EVs to your fleet is a visible way to drive the point home. Your customers may not see solar panels on your roof, but they will see you when you pull up in an electric vehicle.
Another point to consider is that electricity is made and distributed locally. Choosing electricity as your transportation fuel reduces our dependence on foreign oil imports. That’s good for Oregon’s economy and the economy of our nation.