By Melissa Felder

Director Programme Development FCO, Partner RSI (Richmond Sustainability Initiatives)

It's interesting to see the progression in technology as the years unfold. The last few years in particular demonstrate incredible advances in hybrid vehicles and electrification, to the point where the terms "plug in hybrid" and "electric vehicle" are finding their way into everyday conversations.  Just recently, the sequel film Revenge of the Electric Car was launched to critical acclaim, coinciding with the launch of the 2012 plug-in Chevrolet Volt - and the fully electric Chevrolet Spark planned for 2013. FCO's work with the private and public sector across Ontario also bears witness to the increasing interest and numbers of alternatively propelled vehicles in fleets of every type, from municipalities, broadcasters, infrastructure services, to even film productions looking to source lower emission vehicles. Discussions around the links between renewable energy infrastructure (galvanized by the Ontario Green Energy and Economy Act), developing IT resources, and transportation electrification are also emerging in a variety of communities across Ontario, ranging from small northern communities like Sault Ste. Marie to large metropolitan areas like Ottawa and Toronto.  

Fleet Challenge is excited to be a part of this dialogue via its partnership with Toronto Atmospheric Foundation's FleetWise EV300 project.  EV300 is a membership-based project seeking to deploy 300 electric vehicles on road by 2012 - current fleet partners have already expedited access to 60 EV vehicles (for partners, visit: fleetwise.ca/partners/).  In partnership with lead Pollution Probe and CrossChasm, Fleet Challenge is also developing the Electric Vehicle Analysis (EVAN) project to help fleet managers make informed decisions on EV procurement using actual in-service vehicles, with data accrued over a one-year time span. Findings from this project will benefit a range of stakeholders and are expected in 2012.

All this to say that at Fleet Challenge, we are always keen to develop new environmental initiatives and share our findings to the benefit of all fleet stakeholders in Canada. Please feel free to contact us at any time to find out more, to get involved, or even to share your ideas on and experiences with green fleet advancements.

Best wishes for an outstanding fall season,

Melissa