UPS and PepsiCo are doing it; so are Frito-Lay and Amazon. Large companies as well as local businesses are electrifying their fleets to take advantage of cost savings and environmental benefits.

How can a company determine if electric vehicles (EVs) make sense for its specific operations? An EV Fleet Analysis from MGE is a good place to start. The analysis provides information on estimated energy usage, total cost of ownership, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and recommendations for EVs and charging infrastructure.

“In an effort to help reduce our carbon footprint, we have tested vehicles using different fuels,” said Dan Rodefeld, Madison Water Utility Operations Manager. “The fleet analysis allowed us to get a more comprehensive look at whether EVs would be a smart addition to our fleet.”

Fleet analysis process

MGE worked with a third party to evaluate vehicle telematics data from each of Madison Water Utility’s vehicles. For about five months, the system used historical data including how each vehicle was used, when it was used and the length of trips. An analysis was conducted using this data.

The analysis focuses on upfront costs, operational costs and bill impacts—MGE wants to find out if a customer will save money by switching from a gas vehicle to an EV. If switching to EVs doesn’t make sense for the customer, the analysis will convey that. Of the 67 vehicles analyzed at Madison Water Utility, the fleet analysis identified 49 that are good candidates for EVs. Replacing all 49 vehicles would result in an estimated lifetime impact of:

• An 11% decrease in total cost of ownership.
• More than $1 million in operational savings.
• A 56% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• 255,520 gallons of gas saved.

The analysis also highlighted the 10 best candidates to transition to electric among Madison Water Utility’s existing fleet. “It’s very valuable to have this detailed guide to use as we replace fleet vehicles going forward,” said Rodefeld. “Being able to see the cost and environmental savings for each vehicle better equips us to make purchasing decisions as we replace vehicles.” This thorough approach helps businesses plan ahead to replace vehicles and to have a picture of the outcome before making a decision to switch to an EV. If you are interested in a fleet analysis at your business, contact your MGE Account Manager or the Business Energy Line at 608-252-7007.

More EV services

A fleet analysis is part of a suite of EV-related services offered by MGE. We also can help businesses:

• Navigate your best rate options. Our new EV fleet rate provides a reduction in demand charges over a period of time, which gives customers time to understand their unique charging behavior and to make changes to minimize demand charges. To qualify, customers must own or lease plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicles and the charging station(s) must be metered separately from the rest of the business.
• Understand what would be needed to implement charging infrastructure at their location.

Learn more at mge.com/LovEV/fleets.
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