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Argonne study finds BEVs can have lowest scheduled maintenance costs, but highest cost of driving

Green Car Congress

The study considers five different powertrains (internal combustion engine, hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, fuel-cell-electric, and battery-electric) and 12 cost components (purchase cost, depreciation, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repair, taxes, registration fees, tolls and parking, payload capacity and labor).

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DOE labs study on costs and benefits of new transportation technologies the most comprehensive to date

Green Car Congress

There has been a lot of past research on the cost of vehicles and the cost of fuel, but these other operating costs haven’t been studied in quite the same detail before. There were gaps in the data, especially with respect to alternative fuel powertrains—electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles. —David Gohlke.

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Three New Mexico school districts to operate 17 Blue Bird propane school buses; first in state

Green Car Congress

Adopting propane technology will be significantly cheaper in fuel and maintenance costs. Propane autogas prices average 50% less than diesel and reduces maintenance costs and wear and tear on the engine and components. —Teresa Salazar, superintendent of MESD.

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US DOE launches cost calculator to compare emissions and operating costs for alternative fuel and conventional vehicles

Green Car Congress

The Vehicle Cost Calculator, an easy-to-use tool that allows users to compare emissions and lifetime operating costs of specific vehicle models, including conventional cars and trucks, as well as vehicles running on alternative fuels such as electricity, ethanol, natural gas, or biodiesel.

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President Obama issues Memorandum on Federal fleet performance to push for alternative fueled vehicles; GSA pilot project on EV purchases

Green Car Congress

In the Memorandum, the President specifically directs that by 31 December 2015, all new light-duty vehicles leased or purchased by agencies must be alternative fueled vehicles, such as hybrid or electric, compressed natural gas, or biofuel. Optimum fleet size. In doing so, the GSA shall consider existing Federal VAMs as appropriate.

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UPS/Greenbiz study identifies motivators and barriers to electric fleets

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In addition to the fuel savings, electric vehicles typically require less maintenance than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, which means lower maintenance costs. Fifty-five percent of respondents cited the initial purchase price of electric commercial vehicles as the top barrier.

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CASE unveils first fully electric backhoe loader: the 580 EV

Green Car Congress

While the 580 EV will be sold at a higher initial price than diesel-powered backhoe loaders, it is estimated that average fleets will see a payback on that premium in roughly five years. All savings achieved after that will go to improve the bottom line and continue to lower the operation’s carbon footprint.