AFLA Conference Archives-EVs 2.0

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The conference session opened with Matt Betts, the AFLA Vice President, introducing a discussion on transitioning electric vehicle (EV) pilots to permanent programs. Mark Cummings from Subaru of America led a panel featuring industry experts: Cherise Smith from Edison Energy, Don Phillips from Medtronic, and Avninder Buttar from Element Fleet Management. They shared insights from their EV initiatives. Don Phillips discussed Medtronic's EV pilot, focusing on improving driver satisfaction, carbon reduction, and total cost of ownership. Cherise Smith highlighted strategies for fleet electrification, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches and the critical role of utility partnerships and incentives. Avninder Buttar discussed the significance of integrated decarbonization roadmaps and the necessity of including diverse organizational stakeholders in planning. Challenges in EV infrastructure, vehicle costs, and supply chain constraints were also addressed. Panelists recommended focusing on charging infrastructure from the start and leveraging incentives as central tools in electrification efforts. Questions from the audience covered topics like bi-directional charging and self-driving capabilities, with panelists emphasizing caution and a strategic approach to adopting new technologies.

Asset Subtitle

Moderator: Mark Cummings
Panelists: Avinder Buttar, Don Philips, Cherish Smith

Meta Tag

Location Palm Desert, CA

Year 2023

Keywords

electric vehicles

EV pilots

fleet electrification

charging infrastructure

carbon reduction

utility partnerships

decarbonization roadmaps

supply chain constraints

bi-directional charging

Palm Desert, CA

2023