City of Winston-Salem

At a Glance

Industry

Government/Public Administration

Project Types

Data Analysis, Goals/Targets, Zero Emission Vehicles, Freight and Logistics

Year

2024

Location

Winston-Salem, NC

Summary

Jiaxin Xu to supported the City of Winston-Salem in electrifying its public service fleet by focusing on vehicle replacement, charging infrastructure, and implementation planning.

Goals

The City of Winston-Salem aims to electrify its public service fleet over the next decade, focusing mainly on light vehicles. The plan involves a phased replacement schedule, starting with approximately 20 vehicles annually from 2024 to 2026, then increasing due to financial and infrastructure readiness. Key electric models have been identified for purchase. At the same time, agencies are advised to initiate charging infrastructure planning. Initial setups will be citywide in 2024, with concentrated efforts at specific locations in subsequent years to accommodate departmental needs and anticipated vehicle additions. The City of Winston-Salem is committed to electrifying its public service fleet. The goal is twofold: (1) identify which vehicles to replace and design a 10-year schedule prioritizing urgent, necessary, and efficient replacements with the greatest environmental benefits, and (2) plan the charging infrastructure to meet the distributed electricity demand.

Solutions

The fellowship's three objectives, vehicle replacement, charging infrastructure, and implementation planning, are organized into three packages: 1. Modeling and data analysis use broad criteria and specific parameters to determine which vehicles to replace. Assumptions include focusing on light vehicles, excluding fire, police, and inspection departments, and evaluating model and vehicle status. Parameters analyzed include service age, odometer reading, annual mileage, and ownership. 2. Mapping parking locations and matching them with departments prepares for infrastructure planning. This mapping will guide the construction needs and geographical distribution of future charging posts. 3. A timeline integrates vehicle replacement and charging infrastructure planning to ensure coordinated and efficient implementation. The 10-year replacement schedule outlines the number of vehicles and specific models to be replaced each year, alongside the expected demand for charging infrastructure at different sites.

Potential Impact

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is anticipating significant growth in vehicle electrification over the next decade. As part of a broader statewide initiative to promote clean energy and reduce carbon emissions, Winston-Salem has embraced the transition to electric vehicles through various programs and infrastructure investments. Government policies have incentivized electric vehicle adoption by offering funding for purchases. The city is also planning to construct public charging stations to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and alleviate range anxiety. With more than 1,500 public service vehicles across diversified department sectors awaiting potential electrification, the city aims to advance vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure, positioning itself as a leader in clean energy in North Carolina.

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