Summary
– Government of the Northwest Territories has 1,088 vehicles, majority powered by gasoline
– Renewable energy experts urge greening of the territory’s fleet, with only eight vehicles being hybrids
– Potential for plug-in hybrids to be used for specialized projects and in situations where fully electric vehicles are not suitable
– Territory considering EV procurement policy to transition to hybrid and electric vehicles
– Challenges in electrifying fleet vehicles include limited availability of electric trucks and different needs for vehicles based on how they are used and distances traveled.
Article
Andrew Robinson, a renewable energy consultant in Yellowknife, highlighted the need for the Government of the Northwest Territories to do more to green its fleet of vehicles, which currently consist mainly of gasoline-powered vehicles. While there has been some progress with eight hybrid electric vehicles in the fleet, there is still potential to switch over more vehicles to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or fully electric options. Robinson emphasized the importance of considering different options based on the tasks each vehicle is required to perform, noting that plug-in hybrids can be a suitable alternative for cases where a fully electric vehicle may not be practical.
Transportation accounted for a significant portion of the N.W.T.’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, with heavy-duty diesel vehicles being a major contributor. In response, the territorial government is exploring the possibility of implementing an electric vehicle procurement policy. This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce emissions and move toward more sustainable transportation options. Funding has been allocated for assessment work in this area, and government officials are optimistic about the potential for tangible opportunities to introduce electric vehicles into the government fleet.
One of the challenges in electrifying the territory’s fleet is the limited availability of electric truck options, especially given the prevalence of light and heavy-duty trucks in the fleet. However, the landscape is rapidly evolving, with automakers increasingly producing more electric truck models. The emergence of fully electric trucks in the Canadian market as early as 2022 indicates a shift towards greater availability and choice. The utilization of electric vehicles for specific services, such as school buses and garbage trucks, has already been observed in other provinces, demonstrating the viability of electric vehicles for various purposes.
Sarah McBain, a senior transportation analyst at the Pembina Institute, emphasized the importance of considering the job functions and daily usage patterns of fleet vehicles when prioritizing which vehicles to electrify. Vehicles that operate within shorter distances and return to a central location are more easily electrified compared to vehicles that require long-distance travel. Robinson also pointed out the significance of electrifying school buses, which are currently privatized but funded by the government, making it essential for the government to influence the type of buses used. This highlights the broader impact of fleet electrification beyond just government-owned vehicles.
The potential implementation of an electric vehicle procurement policy by the territorial government represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fleet. With the federal government’s commitment to phasing out the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, there is increasing momentum towards adopting electric vehicles as a standard practice. Robinson suggested a policy that prioritizes the acquisition of the most efficient vehicle when replacements are needed, which could lead to a full fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles within a decade. The collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different levels of government can further enhance the efficient and effective use of electric vehicles in public fleets.
Overall, the move towards greening the Government of the Northwest Territories’ vehicle fleet through electrification initiatives aligns with broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. By leveraging the growing availability of electric vehicle options, prioritizing the electrification of specific fleet vehicles, and implementing a strategic procurement policy, the government can make significant strides towards achieving a more sustainable and environmentally conscious transportation system. This shift is part of a larger trend towards electrifying public fleets in various jurisdictions, reflecting a shared commitment to embracing cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions.
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