Zero Emissions Vehicles

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. 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. Learn more about the history of electric vehicles here. 

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 US, making transportation the single largest contributor to climate change. DOA is doing its part to lower state greenhouse gas emissions and support Executive Order 80 along with the 2021 energy legislation. Learn more about green house gas emissions here.

All-electric vehicles (EVs) 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)

• 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.

There are three options to buy on state contract: Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, and Kia Niro.  We have purchased Ford E-Transits off contract.  There are numerous Hybrid options on state contract.

• Chevy Bolt: approximately 250 miles
• Nissan Leaf: approximately 149 miles
• Nissan Leaf Plus: approximately 226 miles
• Kia Niro: approximately 239 miles
• Ford E-Transit: approximately 126 miles

Electric car ranges vary from about 100 miles up to 350 miles, each of which takes a different time to charge.

• 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. ChargePoint, which operates a network of independently owned EV charging stations, estimates that charging a 100-mile car battery at Level 1 takes 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 to cut charging down to four to five hours for that 100-mile car battery. 
• 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. Only 20 minutes of charging adds at least 50 miles of range, according to fueleconomy.gov, a resource provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. However, few of these fast chargers are available now.

Each ZEV assigned from the Department of Administration/Motor Fleet Management is accompanied with a ChargePoint Card at the time of assignment.  You just pull up to the charging location, put the ChargePoint card near the Radio-frequency identification reader and plug in.  It’s that easy!  You can find station locations at Chargepoint.com.