Accelerating fleet electrification: Proven strategies from National Grid
Electrification is rapidly becoming a key strategy for fleet operators seeking to reduce operational costs while enhancing efficiency. With rising fuel prices and maintenance expenses, the shift to electric fleets offers significant savings alongside environmental benefits like lower emissions and improved air quality. As trusted energy providers, utilities play a critical role in supporting fleet electrification, yet many are still defining what that role should be.
As a leader in this space, National Grid has partnered with ICF to help public fleets in Massachusetts navigate the complexities of electrification. Through its Fleet Advisory Services Program, ICF works closely with fleet operators to develop customized fleet electrification strategies that drive measurable progress. By providing tailored assessments, infrastructure planning support, and funding guidance, National Grid and ICF are ensuring that fleet operators—whether public transit agencies, municipal fleets, or school districts—have a clear roadmap to electrification success.
Utility engagement drives fleet electrification
Our ICF fleet electrification team advocates for the importance of early engagement between utilities and fleet operators. Many fleet managers focus on vehicle acquisition, but without the right charging infrastructure in place, those new electric vehicles (EVs) can’t operate efficiently or reliably.
“Getting early adopter public fleets to participate and realize the benefits is essential to build momentum. And that's not just going through an assessment. An assessment is great, but we want to see assessments translating to fleets that are electrified and charging infrastructure that’s in place.”
National Grid’s program helps fleets avoid common pitfalls by offering customized assessments, infrastructure planning support, and funding guidance. Working with National Grid, ICF developed the Massachusetts Fleet Advisory Services Program portal to provide fleet operators with a centralized platform for electrification resources. The portal includes interactive fleet assessment tools that allow fleet operators to easily compare all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and conventional gas or diesel vehicles based on fuel costs, emissions, and more. The portal also offers charging infrastructure support, funding and incentive information, and access to expert advisory services. By leveraging these resources, fleet operators can develop a structured and efficient approach to electrification.
A well-designed fleet electrification advisory program enables utilities to provide meaningful support to their customers while contributing to broader sustainability efforts.
Early wins in public fleets build momentum
Public fleets are a natural starting point for fleet electrification efforts because they serve essential community functions and are highly visible. By working with transit agencies and school districts, for example, National Grid has not only accelerated fleet electrification but also ensured that these benefits reach underserved communities.
Originally, National Grid aimed to conduct 30% of its fleet assessments with fleets located in or primarily serving disadvantaged communities. Today, that number has more than doubled to 70%. This success highlights the program’s ability to drive meaningful change for disadvantaged communities.
Tailored strategies address unique fleet challenges
It’s important to remember that every fleet is unique. Differences in vehicle types, duty cycles, operational priorities, and infrastructure needs mean that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work.
By prioritizing listening and collaboration, National Grid has been able to fine-tune its advisory services to better meet the unique needs of each fleet operator.
Brockton Area Transit leads by example
Brockton Area Transit (BAT) in Massachusetts is one example of a public fleet that has embraced electrification as part of a broader commitment to sustainability. Even before introducing five new electric buses, BAT had already made investments in hybrid buses, solar panels, LED lighting, and other green initiatives.
“Lead times are critical to this whole process. Buses are 18 months out already, and the same can go for transformers, chargers, and other equipment.”
BAT’s experience underscores the importance of long-term planning, securing funding early, and working closely with utilities to ensure a seamless transition to EVs.
Utilities play a key role in scaling fleet electrification
As more fleet operators look to electrify, utilities must be prepared to provide the right support. For utilities looking to expand their electrification initiatives, leveraging expert advisory services can make a difference. The PowerGuide™ electrification support platform provides utilities with the tools and insights they need to support fleet customers at every stage of the electrification journey.