Electric & PHEV on Display at Convention 2018
Re: Electric and PHEV on Display at Convention 2018
When: October 2, 2018 from 12:00 – 13:30
Where: Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, 7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond BC
Your Environmental Awareness and Climate Change Committee (EACCC) has learned that there is a belief among some BCEHS managers that the first plug-in electric vehicle to be deployed within our fleet could be a Paramedic Response Unit (PRU). Specifically, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) was mentioned as a vehicle that is currently being trialed as a PRU in the United Kingdom and could potentially fulfill a similar role within BCEHS.
Upon learning this the EACCC contacted a representative from South East Coast Ambulance in the United Kingdom to learn more about this trial. This representative explained that the trial has been a success on many levels, but also advised us to consider fully electric SUV options, as there are more long range (400+ km) options available than there were two years ago when the trial was initiated. The representative believed this would provide greater efficiency and cost savings over a PHEV. This was a sentiment that was shared by a representative from UMCG Ambulancezorg in the Netherlands. This ambulance service currently has 15 electric vehicles in their fleet including a Tesla Model X PRU.
While there are a number of long-range SUV style vehicles coming to market in the next few years, the only one that is currently available in Canada is the Tesla Model X. Despite having a price tag of over $100,000, the EACCC has calculated there is a financial rational for deploying a Tesla Model X within our fleet. This is mainly due to cost savings associated with fueling, a reduced maintenance schedule, and a longer anticipated lifespan for the vehicle.
Whether it be a Model X, Outlander PHEV, or another EV/PHEV management should choose to deploy, having buy-in from the members who will be operating these vehicles will have an impact on the success of the trial. To this end, the EACCC has arranged for both the Outlander PHEV and the Model X to be available for the members to view and familiarize themselves with at Convention. Members of the EACCC will also be available during this viewing to share their insight and hear your feedback on the vehicles.
If you are available, please join us for this viewing. All members are welcome. There is a policy resolution submitted for convention this year, that if passed, would see our membership support a trial of an electric or PHEV PRU. Your input on these vehicles could play a role in whether or not this resolution is carried or defeated.
Sincerely,
Please click HERE to view a PDF version of this message.
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