September 2008, Work Truck - Feature

Can Neighborhood Electric Vehicles Work for Your Fleet?

By Mike Guardabascio & Chris Brown

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Are grants or tax incentives available for EV purchases?

Programs are funded at the city, county, state, and federal level that may be specific to electric vehicles or fall under an alternative-fuel grant. Try the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web site. (See "For More Information" sidebar).

For local programs, check with your DMV and other local agencies.

Should I consider a used NEV?

Buying used NEVs is an option, but use caution. Some considerations:

• Examine the condition of the batteries. When were they bought?
• How old is the vehicle? There have been considerable improvements to NEVs manufactured after 2002.
• How many average miles does the vehicle travel on a charge?
• Does the seller have a written maintenance log?
• As with any pre-owned vehicle, thoroughly inspect the vehicle. Check the lights, brakes, seat belts, wipers, and turn signals. Check the plastic body panels for cracks or blistering.

Used NEVs can run as low as $3,000, though a low-mileage GEM four-seater will sell for around $6,000. Used NEV prices can vary considerably; at present, pricing guidebooks such as Kelley Blue Book do not list NEVs.

What preventive maintenance do NEVs require? Will maintenance techs need new training?

With substantially fewer miles driven, fewer moving parts, and no coolants, fluids, oil, lubricants, or exhaust, a NEV will have much fewer service requirements than an internal combustion car.

Regular operational checkups are nonetheless recommended. Jim Gaw of Nautical Wheelers, a Texas-based tourist rental operation, keeps his fleet of 40 NEVs on a weekly maintenance program in the busy summer season. In addition to a thorough cleaning, he checks the lubrication, lights, tire pressure, brakes, and water levels of the batteries.

Gaw handles preventive maintenance tasks himself. However, fleets with no maintenance facilities should establish contract services for repair issues. Larger NEV fleets with in-house maintenance capabilities should consider electric vehicle training for one or more mechanics.

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