Location: New Orleans, LA
Fleet Type: Light-duty Electric Vehicles
Narrative
In the bustling heart of the Port of New Orleans, a diverse fleet of alternative fuel vehicles paints a picture of innovation and sustainability. The fleet comprises various vehicles, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, small vans and SUVs, dump trucks, lawn maintenance equipment, other off-road vehicles, box trucks, and even specialized vehicles like bucket trucks and some used by the harbor police.
The port’s foray into the realm of electric vehicles (EVs) began in 2014 when they acquired their first two Nissan Leafs through a lease. Eager to stay on the cutting edge, they later traded in these Leafs for two Chevrolet Bolts. The commitment to electric vehicles extended further with the addition of two converted F-150s by XL Hybrid in 2018 and 2019. Currently, there’s a buzz within the harbor police fleet about the prospect of acquiring the new electric F-150 Lightnings.
Outputs and Outcomes
The transition to electric vehicles has proven to be generally successful for the Port of New Orleans. While no major issues have arisen, the fleet managers acknowledge some minor challenges, which they have adeptly navigated, keeping the vehicles on lease. The initial funding for these eco-friendly additions came from the Regional Planning Commission (RPC), potentially supplemented by Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. Nissan also played a part, providing funding for two chargers.
Charging logistics have not been a major hurdle for the Port of New Orleans. With short routes and once-a-week charging, there’s no need for extensive charging management. Recently, the port expanded its charging infrastructure by adding two more chargers in the employee charging area. Interestingly, this decision was prompted by an employee with an EV who initially sought to charge at the fleet chargers. While fleet managers denied this request, it led to the installation of additional charging stations.
Best Practices & Lessons Learned
Managing the electric fleet involves strategic assignment; F-150s are allocated to specific individuals or departments, while Bolts serve in a more general capacity. Despite the technical shift, transitioning to electric vehicles has been relatively seamless for drivers. The port even offers training to ensure users are adept at operating these cutting-edge vehicles.
Despite the evident success, the port currently doesn’t allocate dedicated time to track the specific benefits derived from their electrified vehicles. However, they are actively pursuing grants, such as the one titled “Reducing Truck Emissions at Ports.” This grant aims to assist terminal operators in adding electric equipment and trucks to their fleets, aligning with the port’s commitment to environmentally conscious practices. Simultaneously, they await news on their application for funding to acquire electric F-150s for the harbor police, marking another step toward a greener and more sustainable future for the Port of New Orleans.
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