Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) come in all shapes and sizes and TECO Energy and its utility subsidiaries have been test driving them to benefit our customers since 2009. TECO’s Green Fleet at Tampa Electric consists of all-electric Nissan LEAFs, extended-range Chevy Volts, a Cadillac ELR and trouble trucks with battery-powered buckets. The Green Fleet at Peoples Gas consists of several natural gas-fueled vehicles. The latest addition to the fleet includes three plug-in electric, full-size 2016 Chevy four-wheel drive pickup trucks modified by VIA Motors.
Similar to the extended-range Chevy Volt, the VIA-modified pickup can be driven the first 44 miles in all-electric mode before a fuel-efficient onboard generator or “range extender” generates its own electricity, providing an additional 400 miles of range. For most drivers, this is equivalent to about 100 miles per gallon in typical local daily driving.
“We’re constantly monitoring the various types of alternative fuel vehicles arriving on the market,” said David Ware, manager of TECO’s Fleet Department. “We have strict requirements for the various types of vehicles and equipment required to provide reliable service to our customers. Purchasing vehicles that run on electricity and natural gas aligns with TECO’s commitment to preserving natural resources and supporting the development of AFVs.”
Charging the pickup is as easy as plugging into a standard household outlet. However, a 240-volt charger is recommended and can reduce charging time to about four hours, costing less than $2 to fully charge the truck’s lithium ion batteries. The truck qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
The VIA-modified pickup offers exportable power
As an added benefit, the pickup offers a power export module that lets TECO crews export 14.4-kilowatts of power at 60 amps through either 120- or 240-volt outlets that can be used to power tools and other equipment on the jobsite. This eliminates the need to have a gasoline-powered generator to provide electricity.
TECO is a workplace charging partner
TECO employees can charge their personally-owned plug-in electric vehicle while at work. This is a result of TECO’s pledge to the U.S. Department of Energy to become a “workplace charging partner.” This means the company’s existing charging infrastructure that supports its Green Fleet of plug-in electric vehicles can be accessed by employees who commute in their own plug-in electric vehicle.
“In an effort to make it convenient for employees to charge at work, we’re installing at least one charging station at each of the approximately 20 company facilities across the four counties serviced by Tampa Electric,” said Kenneth Hernandez, program manager of the company’s alternative fuel vehicle initiatives. “Today, we have 27 charge ports that allow charging at 240-volts and expect to have almost 40 once all installations are complete.”
Visit tecoenergy.com/afv to learn more about the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles.
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