Electric Vehicles International (EVI) has manufactured all-electric powertrain vehicles for close to 20 years.
In 2010, the year after EVI relocated from Mexico to Stockton in San Joaquin County, the California Energy Commission awarded the company $2.5 million to design, develop and deploy a range-extended electric vehicle, and $3.9 million to modernize its electric vehicle manufacturing process. Both awards were made through the Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program created by Assembly Bill 118.
In March 2012, the company announced a goal of deploying 500 electric delivery trucks in California over two years. Many commercial truck fleets are especially promising for electrification. Fixed delivery routes and return-to-base operations avoid range concerns and ease charging logistics.
Progress toward that goal came in 2013 when UPS put 100 all-electric EVI delivery vans into service throughout California. When UPS ordered the vans in 2011, it was the largest planned deployment of zero-emission delivery vehicles in the state. Facilitating this project, the Energy Commission provided $4 million to the California Air Resources Board to provide incentives for more than 150 vehicles, including the UPS vans.
Photos courtesy of Electric Vehicles International
Benefits
More clean energy transportation reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, saves operators money, and helps protect the environment and public health.
The UPS project marked a significant step in fulfilling the Governor’s Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Action Plan, which calls for 1.5 million ZEVs on California’s roadways by 2025.
The fleet of 110 UPS vans eliminates the need for about 126,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year. Fleet owners can realize diesel fuel cost savings of more than $1,000 a month for each vehicle, and maintenance costs are lower than for conventional diesel vehicles.
Approximately 50 new jobs were created at the EVI facility.
EVI has effectively leveraged public investment, garnering more than $30 million in private investment.
Type of Project
Electric vehicle manufacturing
Status
UPS deployed 100 all-electric EVI delivery vans throughout California in 2013. EVI’s manufacturing modernization project is underway and scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2014.
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