Transitioning to EV Fleets: Best Practices and A Decision Tool

Summary

New U.S. regulatory targets aim for an electric vehicle (EV) market share of at least 50% by 2030, a shift mirrored by manufacturers phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. While public organizations are increasingly eager to transition, the pathway is complicated by cold-climate range uncertainties, infrastructure gaps in rural areas, and the technical hurdles of transitioning medium- and heavy-duty fleets for large agencies like MnDOT. This study presents a comprehensive framework to help agencies navigate fleet transition and secure available funding. The research began by assessing human factors and organizational readiness through survey of agencies and in-depth interviews with fleet managers to identify operational barriers and perceptions. Subsequent stages involved a detailed analysis of fleet composition and infrastructure capacity, gathering data on vehicle types, usage patterns, and parking facilities across various Minnesota agencies. These foundational data informed a 10-year life-cycle cost analysis, comparing EVs against traditional ICE vehicles across multiple classes. Finally, the project developed an optimization model, applied to Minneapolis trip data, to demonstrate a strategic plan for EV acquisition and charging infrastructure deployment that minimizes total cost while ensuring uninterrupted operation. The study's findings and strategic roadmap was disseminated via a statewide webinar to support Minnesota agencies in achieving a cost-effective transition.