Citation

Berg MR. Transp. Res. Rec. 1985; 1049: 70-78.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Successful commercialization of electric vehicles has been hindered by a lack of data pertaining to both desirable vehicle configurations and potential market size. The objective of the study on which this paper is based was to redress these data inadequacies pertaining to commercial sector fleet vehicles through information obtained from fleet managers about vehicle travel requirements, cost and range trade-offs, and operational practices. The study was commissioned by the Electric Power Research Institute and the Detroit Edison Company as part of their ongoing research agendas that focus on electric over-the-road vehicles (EVs). The study's findings with respect to the size and characteristics of the potential market for electric vehicles in commercial fleets are presented. Information is given on fleet size, range requirements, and vehicle use patterns. In addition to general information about commercial fleets, the data are analyzed in terms of key factors associated with EV performance, such as miles traveled per day, availability for recharging, and the need for high-speed travel. Data for the study were obtained through telephone interviews with fleet managers in commercial establishments throughout the United States. A total of 583 interviews were conducted during 2 months of the fall of 1983. The probability sample of establishments was drawn from a comprehensive list compiled by Dun and Bradstreet. Because scientific sampling procedures were used, it was possible to translate the sample data into estimates for the entire nation with known degrees of precision.

Language: en

Keywords

TRANSPORTATION - Research; AUTOMOBILES - Electric; STORAGE BATTERY VEHICLES