Xcel Energy helping cities and organizations drive toward an electric vehicle future

October 3, 2018

Xcel Energy is working with a range of Minnesota cities and organizations to help them prepare for an electric vehicle future. As more electric vehicle models come onto the market, they’re becoming increasingly appealing to fleet owners as a way to lower costs and their carbon footprint.

HealthPartners and the cities of Bloomington, Faribault, Fridley, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, St. Louis Park, White Bear Lake, Winona and Woodbury are just a few of the dozen that are participating in a study that will help determine if any of their current fleet vehicles could be replaced with electric vehicles (EVs).

As part of this study, Xcel Energy is working with FleetCarma to install tracking technology on selected fleet vehicles from each city or organization. The devices monitor how these vehicles are being used and will track mileage traveled, fuel efficiency and idling time. This data will help identify which vehicles are best suited to be replaced with an EV model, based on the financial and environmental benefits.

“Many of our large customers are looking at innovative ways to reduce costs, meet sustainability goals and prepare for the future,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. “Electric vehicles can provide a great opportunity for communities and companies to reduce carbon emissions and save on fuel and other costs. This assessment program is a great way to help fleet operators evaluate the most environmentally and fiscally responsible ways to electrify their fleet vehicles.”

“This project is a great example of HealthPartners comprehensive, collaborative sustainability initiatives,” said Vini Manchanda, Vice President of Supply Chain Services at HealthPartners. “Electric vehicles lower our carbon footprint, cost less to operate over the life of the vehicle and help support our mission by decreasing air emissions to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”

Xcel Energy is doing the study as part of the company’s long-term clean energy strategy that includes electrifying the transportation industry to benefit the environment and customers, helping them save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

Source: XcelEnergy.com