Zero-Emission Vehicles
DOA Goes Electric
DOA is doing its part to lower state greenhouse gas emissions and support Executive Orders 80, 246 and 271 along with 2021 energy legislation. Learn more about greenhouse gas emissions.
Background
Zero-Emission Vehicles, also known as ZEVs, are vehicles that do not directly emit exhaust gas or other pollutants. ZEVs are battery powered and must be plugged in to be recharged (fully electric). Hybrid vehicles use both gas and electricity to operate and have both plug-in and non-plug-in options. Traditional gas vehicles are sometimes called ICE vehicles because they use Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to operate.
Why Switch?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a ZEV over its lifetime are lower than those from an average gasoline-powered vehicle, even when accounting for manufacturing and electric charging. Lower greenhouse gases and fewer exhaust fumes means cleaner air and a cooler planet. The transportation sector contributes to 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., making transportation the single largest contributor to climate change.
Charging Electric Vehicles
Electric car ranges vary from about 100 miles up to 350 miles, and for users the primary concern is charging. There are three levels:
- Level 1: This is the electricity that is available from the outlets in your house. It is roughly 120 volts. Charging this way is extremely slow (17-20 hours).
- Level 2: Many houses also have 240-volt outlets to run clothes dryers and stoves. You can buy a home charging station and plug it into such an outlet. Chargins will take four to five hours using this method
- Level 3: Many EVs offer a fast charge feature, usually as an option at the time of car purchase, allowing the battery to be charged at Level 3, or 440 volts — much faster than home charging (40 minutes). However, few of these fast chargers are available now.
Resources
- Propose New Charging Station Infrastructure
- NC DOT: Road Map to More Electric Vehicles in NC
- NC DEQ: Climate Change & Clean Energy Plans
- US EPA: Green Vehicle Guide
- US EPA Electric Vehicle Myths
- US Department of Energy: Electric Vehicles Basics
- NC DEQ: ZEV Infrastructure
- Find a Charging Station
- US Dept. of Energy: The History of Electric Vehicles
Motor Fleet ZEV Plan EO 80 Updates
2024 Updates
The current ZEV fleet assigned to state agencies is 79 vehicles strong and composed of Chevy Bolts, Ford E-Transit Vans and a Ford Lightning. As MFM continues to promote the use of ZEVs by state agencies, ordering new ZEVs for the fleet has been challenging due to low availability of ZEVs for state fleet purchase and budgetary challenges.
MFM provided agencies information on vehicles that were identified as suitable for EV replacement with the annual replacement lists sent to agencies spring 2023. Since October 2023, MFM assigned additional ZEVs to these agencies and institutions: Department of Adult Correction, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Administration, Department of Transportation, Wake Tech Community College, Central Piedmont Community College, NC A&T State University.
The DOA Division of Purchase and Contract updated the Statewide Term Contract 2613A – Electric Vehicle Charging Station Equipment, Accessories, Installation, and Infrastructure, to include a total of six vendors with approximately 17 different brands of charging stations.
Fully Electric Vehicles on Statewide Term Contract
Ford
- Mustang Mach-E
- F-150 Lightning
- E-Transit 350 Cargo Van (approx. 126-mile range)
Chevrolet
- Blazer
Nissan
- Leaf S* (approx. 149-mile range)
- Leaf Plus* (approx. 226-mile range)
Kia
- Niro EV* (approx. 239-mile range)
* - currently unavailable
Hybrid Vehicles on Statewide Term Contract
Ford
- Escape Hybrid
- Maverick
- F-150 Hybrid
- Police Interceptor Utility HEV
Hyundai
- IONIQ 5
- Palisade*
- Tuscon Plug-In Hybrid*
- Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid*
Toyota
- Camry Hybrid*
- Corolla Hybrid*
- RAV4 Hybrid
- Highlander Hybrid
- Sienna Hybrid
Kia
- Niro Hybrid*
* - currently unavailable
The Triple Bottom Line: Economic, Environmental and Social Considerations
ZEV advantages
All-electric vehicles run on electricity only. They are propelled by one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable battery packs. EVs have several advantages over conventional vehicles:
- Energy efficient: EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
- Environmentally friendly: EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear, hydro, solar, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.
- Performance benefits: Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than internal combustion engines (ICEs).
- Reduced energy dependence: Electricity is a domestic energy source.
(Source: fueleconomy.gov, a resource provided by the U.S. Department of Energy)
ZEV disadvantages
- Driving range: EVs have a shorter driving range than most conventional vehicles — although EV driving ranges are improving. Most EVs can travel more than 100 miles on a charge, and some can travel in excess of 200 or 300 miles depending on the model.
- Recharge time: Fully recharging the battery pack can take 3 to 12 hours. Even a "fast charge" to 80% capacity can take 30 minutes.
- Batteries for EVs are designed for extended life, and a study by Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory suggest these batteries may last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates and eight to 12 years in severe climates. However, these batteries are expensive, and replacing them may be costly if they fail.