OUC's Efficient Fleet

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of OUC

With more than 775 vehicles – ranging from plug-in hybrids to bucket trucks – OUC’s fleet logs more than 4.7 million miles annually. OUC reduces their carbon footprint by using alternative fuels, purchasing more hybrids and recycling automotive products to help our environment.

Adding Biodiesel to the Mix

As part of an overall plan to reduce emissions in fleet, OUC has begun using “B20” – a blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel – a clean-burning alternative fuel made from new or used vegetables oils and animal fats, including recycled cooking grease. Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel produces lower emissions, which is better for the environment. B20 has been integrated seamlessly into the fueling system without any changes to vehicles or fuel storage and distribution equipment.

Since 2006, 322,032 gallons of B20 have been purchased – and the reduction in diesel fuel has reduced OUC’s carbon footprint by 44 metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). OUC uses biodiesel at the Pershing Fleet Center and plans to expand its use to the Gardenia site soon.

Soon, biodiesel will be available in downtown Orlando. Thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the Florida Department of Environment Protection, Central Florida’s LYNX transit system plans to open a biodiesel blending facility and fueling station at its Orlando Operations Center.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Embracing fuel-efficient technology as a commitment to green initiatives, OUC is the first municipal utility in Florida to acquire a plug-in hybrid that gets up to 99 mpg. In addition to the plug-in, OUC has 11 other traditional hybrids in the fleet.

For linemen out in the field, OUC ordered four hybrid bucket trucks and one auxiliary battery system to operate the aerial tower hydraulics. Bucket trucks are a promising application for hybrid technology since much of the vehicle’s work is done.

Leading the Charge

With more EVs rolling off assembly lines, many consumers are starting to see them as an alternative to rising gas prices and as a way to lower the cost of their commute. So, we’re helping to develop an electric vehicle solution for Greater Orlando as part of our commitment to a cleaner, greener future.

In 2009, OUC installed Orlando’s first three charging stations downtown at Reliable Plaza, including two solar-powered ones, and we’ve recently added a fourth. The two public charging stations in our visitor parking area let EV operators pull up, plug in and charge up. The two solar-powered stations atop our parking garage keep OUC’s own plug-in vehicle charged up and ready to go, and when they’re not charging the plug-in, the solar energy they generate helps to power Reliable Plaza. At OUC, we’re also incorporating plug-ins and hybrids into our own fleet of vehicles to reduce emissions and our dependence on fuel. For a list of charging stations in our area, go to MyChargePoint.net

Before you purchase an EV, contact OUC

If you are planning to install a 240 Volt fast charger, it is especially important to contact OUC. We’ll ensure that your current electric service is capable of handling the additional energy demand of an EV charger. We provide you with access to certified electrical contractors who can install the charging station for you and answer questions you might have regarding how charging your EV may impact your electric bill.

Building an Infrastructure

As part of the ChargePoint America program, OUC is installing up to 200 EV charging stations throughout our service area. Funded in part through a U.S. Department of Energy grant, this program enables us to evaluate the impact the charging stations will have on our electric system while also observing the driving and charging patterns of EV owners. These charging stations will soon be popping up at shopping malls, area businesses, public buildings, hotels and parking garages.

For More Information

Learn how much you can save by using the Go Electric Drive's 'Plug-In Savings Calculator and Resource Locator.