The first-of-its-kind center reinforces GE’s commitment to the
deployment of more efficient vehicles in its fleet and in customer fleets. Showcasing the latest in a growing array of alternative fuel vehicles in electric, natural gas, propane, hydrogen and other formats, the center gives GE’s commercial customers the opportunity to learn about and test drive numerous alternative fuel cars and trucks in a single location with assistance from GE’s fleet, transportation, energy and advanced technology experts.“We believe that businesses, through their company fleets, can lead the way in putting drivers across the country and around the world into cleaner, more productive vehicles,” said Deb Frodl, chief strategy officer for GE Capital Fleet Services and global alternative fuel leader for GE. “The best way to accelerate adoption of alternative fuel cars and trucks is to experience them. Once they get behind the wheel, they can see that these vehicles are real and ready for action.”
“Through our Vehicle Innovation Center, we are committed to sharing alternative fuel vehicle technologies and solutions with our customers and helping them put more of these vehicles on the road.” Located on the campus of GE’s fleet management business headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn., the center features a private half-mile driving course and a vehicle center that includes alternative fuel vehicles from 20 automotive manufacturers. With 6,000 square feet of classrooms and showrooms, the center also allows visitors access to a variety of products and solutions from GE’s ecomagination portfolio, including solutions for the smart grid, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in a Box, fuel savings mobile applications, and other advanced energy and infrastructure technologies.
The center supports GE’s broader ecomagination business strategy – to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technology though innovation and R&D investment. GE Capital Fleet Services will run the center in collaboration with other GE businesses and GE energy and transportation experts around the world.“The city of Eden Prairie is delighted and proud to be the home of GE’s Vehicle Innovation Center, “ said Nancy Tyra-Lukens, mayor of Eden Prairie. “This is truly a world-class facility and we are pleased to have GE working on the future of sustainable transportation right here in our own community.
Most Electric Vehicles Sold Are For Commercial & Industrial Applications
In an October 24, 2011 article, Electric Vehicles Research indicated that currently 60% of the value of the electric vehicle market is being spent on commercial and industrial vehicles – and this trend is expected to continue and grow into the next decade.
Heavy industrial vehicles (those used do heavy lifting, such as forklifts) make up the largest segment of the market. This is understandable, since by law, forklifts must be electric to be used indoors. While little opportunity may remain in this market, there are plenty of other uses for electric vehicles in the commercial and industrial sector.
Airports are under increasing pressure to switch their Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to pure electric versions, both on and off the tarmac. Besides lowering their carbon footprint, this would lower their cost of ownership, cost of maintenance and their exposure to price increases in fossil fuel supplies.
Governments, wanting to be perceived as environmentally conscientious, will help to drive the continuing growth of the commercial and industrial EV market.
This market is seen as being less dependent on government incentives and funding than the more fragile personal EV market, and innovations seem to appear in the industrial and commercial market sooner.
Electric vehicles offer so many advantages over traditional vehicles in the industrial/commercial environment. Electric delivery vehicles cope better with frequent stopping and starting. Electric shuttles can be used to transport visitors through industrial plants, airports, and other venues with no concern about noxious emissions. Rangers can use electric vehicles to access areas of parks and natural areas where it is important that environmental impact be limited. The applications are only limited by the imagination!
Moto Electric Vehicles is perfectly positioned to provide reliable alternatives to traditional internal combustion-powered vehicles for the commercial and industrial sector. We have a wide variety of commercial vehicles available, and we are proud to be a part of this growing industry. Visit our website at http://www.motoelectricvehicles.com/store/Commercial-Vehicles-c518/ to see what we have to offer.