NYC and LA Are Teaming Up to Fight for EVs

New York City, traditionally not considered a car-centric urban environment, is experiencing a noticeable shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Observations across the city reveal a growing presence of electric models, with the city government currently operating approximately 5,800 electric vehicles and an additional 4,700 hybrids. This diverse fleet includes vehicles such as Parks Department pickups, Police Department crossover SUVs, school buses, paramedic response vehicles, and even large garbage trucks. Under a local ordinance, the city aims to convert its entire light- and medium-duty fleet to electric power by 2035, followed by the transition of its trucks by 2038.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County has ambitious plans for its own fleet, targeting complete electrification by 2045. This initiative necessitates the replacement of all 20,000 vehicles currently in the fleet. Presently, the county has only made modest progress, with around 600 electric vehicles and 350 plug-in hybrids.

In a significant move, New York City announced a collaboration with Los Angeles County, establishing what officials are identifying as a "bicoastal bridge." This partnership aims to harness their combined purchasing power to advocate for electric vehicles, compelling manufacturers to accelerate their development despite the existing challenges facing the industry.

Achieving their electrification targets will require considerable effort. U.S. vehicle manufacturers currently lack electric options for several essential vehicle types that cities require, such as electric passenger vans, fire department pumper trucks that meet city specifications, and specific snowplow models for New York. Additionally, charging infrastructure remains an area of concern. Although New York boasts about 2,500 charging ports, the largest network in the state, there is a critical need for further expansion and robust contingency plans to address potential power outages before EV adoption can be scaled effectively.

The adverse policies of the Trump administration towards electric vehicles and subsequent retreats by the industry from previously ambitious electrification timelines have generated unease among local government officials.

"There have been a series of announcements that are concerning to us," stated Keith Kerman, the city's chief fleet officer and deputy commissioner of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, which is responsible for vehicle procurement across the city’s agencies. "There are headwinds for electrification in the United States right now."

The partnership aims to ensure that the market understands their needs moving forward. "It’s really about providing manufacturers with a clear picture of our requirements so they can supply us effectively," noted Quintin Haynes, chief deputy director of the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department, which oversees vehicle purchasing for approximately 40 agencies within the county.

This is indeed a confounding period for automobile manufacturers, as federal incentives diminish and support for new electric vehicle models wanes. "Manufacturers are keen to understand the future landscape and the regulatory framework," remarked Mike Finnern, senior vice president and zero-emission fleet lead at WSP, a consulting firm. Guarantees of substantial future orders from fleet managers, including municipal governments and private sector companies, will provide stability amid fluctuating market dynamics.

EVs are particularly well-suited for government fleets, according to Finnern. While individual car buyers may exhibit hesitation in transitioning from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric, and often seek longer ranges than necessary, government entities benefit from a deeper comprehension of vehicle usage patterns. They are able to manage charging schedules more effectively, and current EV ranges of 250 to 400 miles per charge adequately meet their operational needs. Furthermore, adopting EVs has the potential to lower fueling and maintenance costs for governmental operations. Private companies like Amazon continue to invest in electric vehicles, demonstrating the economic viability of such transitions.

"I regret every electric and hybrid vehicle we haven't purchased yet," Kerman acknowledged. "It would have shielded us from the escalating fuel prices we are currently facing." Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Kerman’s agency has identified that converting to battery electric vehicles enhances New York City's energy economy by 6 percent.

Despite the progress, both New York and Los Angeles County acknowledge that they have much to learn in identifying the optimal integration of EVs. The partnership will facilitate the exchange of insights and development of best practices that could inspire similar initiatives in other urban areas.

A key lesson from their experiences thus far emphasizes the importance of engaging city employees in the transition to electric vehicles. There are not only technical challenges—such as retraining maintenance personnel for electric vehicle upkeep—but also social dynamics at play. Employees may resist abrupt changes, and while data from New York indicates that the intelligent speed assistance technology incorporated into many new EVs helps mitigate speeding and possibly reduces crash severity, concerns regarding workplace surveillance persist. Recently, the city workers' union negotiated an agreement addressing the use of vehicle data in disciplinary matters.

Fostering a workforce that is enthusiastic about electric vehicles is crucial to the success of these initiatives. "We've observed varied results in deployments; while they share similar challenges, the successful ones often stem from personnel who are engaged and adequately trained," Finnern explained.

Haynes, reflecting on his journey from skepticism to advocacy for electric vehicles, recalls how his perspectives shifted after test-driving a Tesla at Kerman’s encouragement. The experience was overwhelmingly positive.

"I can assure you, no one enters an electric vehicle and exits saying, 'I hate this car,'" Kerman remarked. "Typically, the response is, 'I love the car.'"