An essential element of DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative is convening market leaders to discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities related to energy efficiency and decarbonization. Peer exchanges enable organizations from different sectors of the economy to learn from each other and share best practices.
During a recent peer exchange, more than 50 Better Buildings partners from the local government, state government, higher education, K-12 schools, retail, food service, and grocery, and utilities sectors discussed fleet electrification and charging infrastructure. Topics included DOE’s Vehicle Technology Office (VTO) programs and resources, an overview of the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool, and examples of AFLEET applications through the National Clean Cities Coalition Network.
Vehicles Technology Areas and Integration
VTO staff provided an overview of resources related to fleet decarbonization technology areas and their integration. Specifically, VTO provides resources related to the following technology areas:
- Batteries, Charging, & Electric Vehicles
- Advanced Combustion Systems & Fuels
- Technology Integration
- Reports & Publications
Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool
DOE, in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), developed the AFLEET tool to help stakeholders better understand the emissions impact and costs of different vehicles. AFLEET leverages ANL’s fuel-cycle model, which is an industry-standard lifecycle emissions model that can track greenhouse gases and other emissions released from “well-to-wheel” (i.e., across the fuel-cycle from extraction/production, distribution, and end use).
Using AFLEET data, ANL developed a tool to help stakeholders understand the costs and benefits of different modes of transportation based on an owner’s location and travel patterns.
Partners can use these tools to help garner internal buy-in for fleet electrification and organizational decarbonization strategies through highlighting the total cost of vehicle ownership, fleet footprint, payback periods, and other metrics.
National Clean Cities Coalition Network
Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) is a DOE partnership that advances clean transportation nationwide. More than 75 DOE-designated coalitions work in communities across the country to harness alternative fuels, electric vehicles, idle-reduction technologies, and efficiency improvements. CC&C advances resilience and reduces vehicle emissions while supporting regional economic development and job growth.
Check out these fleet electrification resources and see which strategies would be a good fit for your organization’s fleet:
- U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Technology Office (VTO)
- Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Home Page
- Clean Cities and Communities: Find Your Local Coalition
Learn more about how Better Buildings partners are implementing electric vehicles and associated infrastructure: