...In June 1999, Vandenberg AFB started the EV Pilot Program to continue testing new pollution prevention
techniques and reaffirm its commitment to the ENVVEST program. To implement the EV Pilot Program,
Vandenberg AFB developed a three-part technical approach to assess EV applications on base and has applied
each program component concurrently.
First, Vandenberg AFB established an EV loaner program that provides EVs and temporary infrastructure at no
cost to the recipient organizations. To date, the EV loaner program has reached out to 40 organizations at 17
locations on base. Nearly 300 base personnel have received EV user training, and more than 150 personnel
have actually test driven an EV. Program participants are testing and evaluating selected EVs for a two to four
week period. At the conclusion of each trial period, each participating organization evaluates whether an EV is
well-suited for its day-to-day operations. Based on the results of the evaluations, over 65 percent of the drivers
preferred an EV rather than their conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles. Second, Vandenberg AFB obtained a
pilot scale fleet of four EVs from a Base Realignment and Closure installation and installed the necessary support
infrastructure. This “pilot” fleet is under evaluation using performance criteria and user feedback. Third,
Vandenberg AFB assessed the applicability of phasing in long-term EV use on the base. This assessment has
identified possible vehicle fleet substitute options (make and model), infrastructure requirements, and vehicle and
infrastructure co-funding opportunities.
Vandenberg AFB currently has a total of 25 charging stations in operation that service a fleet of 22 Ford Ranger
trucks and four Daimler-Chrysler EPIC mini-vans. Base transportation personnel have been trained by the
OEMs to service and maintain each vehicle type. Additionally, Vandenberg AFB has established a Ford Warranty
Service Center on base to minimize EV down time and repair time. During 2001, the EV fleet size at
Vandenberg AFB is expected to double and by June 2001 the necessary infrastructure should be in place for
the planned expansion. The future planned EV fleet will consist of additional Ford Rangers and the soon to be
released Think City electric vehicles. Finally, plans are underway to develop and implement an intelligent Community
Electric Vehicle Management System (CEVMS). Applying clean technology vehicles such as EVs within
a shared vehicle system framework will further lower emissions, fuel consumption, and the fleet size of
Vandenberg AFB...