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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Guidelines for the Establishment of a Model Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) Fleet

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/911659· OSTI ID:911659

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity tests neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) in both track and fleet testing environments. NEVs, which are also known as low speed vehicles, are light-duty vehicles with top speeds of between 20 and 25 mph, and total gross vehicle weights of approximately 2,000 pounds or less. NEVs have been found to be very viable alternatives to internal combustion engine vehicles based on their low operating costs. However, special charging infrastructure is usually necessary for successful NEV fleet deployment. Maintenance requirements are also unique to NEVs, especially if flooded lead acid batteries are used as they have watering requirements that require training, personnel protection equipment, and adherence to maintenance schedules. This report provides guidelines for fleet managers to follow in order to successfully introduce and operate NEVs in fleet environments. This report is based on the NEV testing and operational experience of personnel from the Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, Electric Transportation Applications, and the Idaho National Laboratory.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE - EE
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-99ID13727
OSTI ID:
911659
Report Number(s):
INL/EXT-06-11309
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English