Electricity’s role in our lives is changing rapidly. Electric utilities may need to adapt to keep pace.
Electric bikes, cars, trucks and other vehicles can offer increased efficiency and environmental benefits. They also add to a nationwide increase in demand for electricity, and can require new and improved infrastructure, presenting both opportunities and challenges for electric utilities.
Electrification of Bus Fleets
Schools and communities are gradually electrifying their bus fleets, which requires ample charging infrastructure—including fast-charging stations—to ensure smooth operations.
Today, electric buses feature improved acceleration and regenerative braking systems. Other benefits of electric buses include lower greenhouse emissions and reduced maintenance and operating costs due to fewer moving parts.
There are challenges to adopting electric buses in rural locations. The absence of charging infrastructure can make setting up the required facilities costly and challenging. Additionally, the initial cost of electric buses is usually higher than that of diesel models.
To address these issues, extensive route assessments are required to optimize bus schedules and charging times.
Electric Bikes in Rural Areas
Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, not only in cities but also in rural communities. Battery technology is improving with longer range and faster charging times. Many e-bike brands are outfitting their bikes with smart features like GPS navigation and anti-theft systems.
E-bikes have pedal assist and other similar features that make them far easier to ride than traditional bikes. They can be a great choice for quickly getting to a few nearby spots, such as the grocery store.
For some people, e-bikes can replace cars as the vehicle of choice for short trips. Bikes are also far less expensive than cars, which is another incentive to switch.
A key limitation to e-bikes is safety. Bikes are less safe without dedicated bike lanes, and not everywhere has secure places to park bikes.
Electrification in Utility Operations
Every utility uses bucket trucks. Soon, that staple vehicles for maintenance and construction may be electric.
Electric bucket trucks can significantly reduce operating costs by eliminating fuel expenses. They are quieter and require less maintenance.
To enhance the performance of electric bucket trucks, manufacturers are concentrating on lightweight materials and cutting-edge engineering. This includes strategically placing batteries to improve stability and weight distribution.
Benefits of electric bucket trucks include:
- Reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
- Quieter operation.
- Lower environmental impact compared to traditional models.
The emergence of advanced battery technologies will likely lead to even more efficient electric bucket trucks, with longer operational ranges and faster charging capabilities, further enhancing their viability for electric utility operations.
The electrification of bikes, buses and bucket trucks marks a significant step toward a more choice-driven transportation future. While there are obstacles to overcome, electric utilities are well-positioned to address these challenges through community involvement, strategic planning and infrastructure investment that can lead to effective implementation.
Electric Air Taxis: Cleared for Takeoff
Electric vehicles are already traveling the roads in our communities. Soon, electric air taxis may be taking to the skies as well.
In October, the Federal Aviation Administration issued rules for the qualifications and trainings that instructors and pilots need to fly powered-lift aircraft. Powered-lift vehicles—capable of vertical takeoff, vertical landing and low speed flight—are the first category of aircraft the FAA has added since helicopters in the 1940s.