Demonstrating Electric Vehicles in Buffalo CarShare

Buffalo CarShare (BCS) deployed four Ford Focus electric vehicles (EVs) in their fleet to evaluate the potential performance and suitability of this technology in a carsharing operation. Sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), this project tested EVs in a carsharing environment, gathered a broad range of information on the operational characteristics of EVs in real-world conditions as used by a multitude of drivers, and increased awareness of EVs throughout Buffalo. The EVs met the carsharing member needs for many of their trips, especially during warm weather operations. BCS members were very satisfied with the EVs’ performance and many chose the EVs afterward because of the superior driving experience. Unfortunately, the EVs did not have a positive return on investment for the carsharing organization because they were not driven nearly as much (only used 53% as much as the internal combustion engine (ICE) cars). The EVs’ limited range in cold conditions and need to charge back at base to be ready for use the next day hurt the economic viability of this concept. However, carsharing operations are a good opportunity to understand the functionality and durability of vehicle technologies in real-world conditions for a broad audience of drivers. This project also provided some useful insight on EV operations in a New York State-based fleet and gave many drivers a chance to drive an EV for the first time, significantly increasing its awareness and acceptance.

• Record URL:
  http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/-/media/Files/Publications/Research/Transportation/demonstrating-electric-vehicles-in-Buffalo-CarShare.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Buffalo CarShare

  Buffalo, NY  United States 

  Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo & Western New York

  Buffalo, NY  United States 

  Energetics Incorporated

  ,   United States 

  New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

  17 Columbia Circle
  Albany, NY  United States  12203

  New York State Department of Transportation

  Albany, NY  United States 
• Authors:
  • Galligano, Michael
  • Roy, Bryan
  • Windover, Paul
• Publication Date: 2015-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 40p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Customer satisfaction; Drivers; Electric vehicles; Feasibility analysis; Return on investment; Vehicle sharing
• Identifier Terms: Buffalo CarShare
• Geographic Terms: New York (State)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Vehicles and Equipment; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning; I90: Vehicles;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01577097
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 15-27
• Contract Numbers: 30907
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 28 2015 9:10AM