As EVs Become More Common, Nighttime Electricity Will Get More Expensive

A new study looked at how EV ownership would affect electricity demand in western states already suffering from rolling black outs on high heat days.

The study was published in Nature Energy Thursday from Stanford University. The research team found what logic could have told you: If everyone has an EV and everyone charges it at night, then charging at night is bound to get more expensive.

To combat the problem, we’ll need more folks charging their cars during the day, like while at work or out and about town. That will also mean a heavy investment in public EV chargers, which the feds are finally stepping in to provide. Last month, the Biden administration devoted $5 billion to building a public charging network of over 500,000 fast chargers.

via Jalopnik

Generator Safety Tips That Will Get You Through a Storm and Maybe Save Your Life

After a hurricane, tornado, or other storm interrupts your electricity, you may be tempted to run a generator in a living space. Don’t ever do that. That includes a basement or garage, two spaces that can capture deadly levels of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide can kill you in as little as 5 minutes if the levels are high enough. Buy a generator with built-in CO safety technology. Many new generators have a device that detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and turns off the machine when levels climb too high.

Install a transfer switch before the next storm. This critical connection will cost from $500 to $900 with labor for a 5,000-rated-watt or larger generator. A transfer switch connects the generator to your circuit panel and lets you power hardwired appliances and avoid the safety risk of using extension cords for those with plugs.

via Consumer Reports

Merchants Fleet to Host 2022 Fleet Summit and Unveil New EVs and Innovative Vehicle Charging Technology to North America Fleet Industry

Merchants Fleet announced its annual Fleet Summit will take place at Merchants’ headquarters in Hooksett, NH, on Sept. 28.

The flagship event brings together hundreds of experts across the fleet ecosystem to network, learn and collaborate on the hottest topics in the EV and fleet industry. This year’s Summit will include presentations and appearances from partners such as McLaren Racing, BrightDrop, Nissan, and Ford, as well as an opportunity to see live demos of new EV models and innovative charging technology for fleets.

“Our annual Fleet Summit is an opportunity for our clients and partners to really engage and ideate on the hottest topics facing the fleet industry today,” said Brendan P. Keegan, Chairman, CEO & President of Merchants Fleet. “This year’s event will explore our ability to transform the industry, advance fleet electrification, and create a more sustainable future for our clients and our country.”

Weathering the Storm

Our first thoughts this morning center on the safety of folks in the path of Hurricane Ian, and our fleet professionals who provide essential services to their communities.

We welcome a new contributor to these pages. Kevin Dennehy, editor of Location Business News, has covered location technology for 30 years. Don’t miss his debut article for FMW: Will Going Green Break a Fleet Company’s Budget? Two Companies Say No.

FMW heartily congratulates the recipients of AFLA’s President’s Awards: Sharon Etherington, Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc; Carlos Oropeza, Wheels Don; Joe Stergios, Motorq; and Karyna Zarate, Jacobs.

We mourn the loss of our good friend and mentor, Charles M. (Chuck) Parker. He was a pioneer and innovator in our industry. I wrote a piece about him in Remembering Chuck Parker. Thanks to everyone who posted anecdotes and tributes to Chuck on our LinkedIn page.

Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief