Page 49 - CARILEC CE Journal CEMAY2021

EVS IN GRENADA
WRB Energy has first-hand knowledge of the benefits
of all-electric vehicles at Grenada Electricity Services
(Grenlec), the electric utility company serving
Grenada. Several years ago, Grenlec initiated an EV
pilot program at its utility headquarters in Grand
Anse. Grenlec purchased two Nissan LEAFS and a
Nissan NV200 five-seater van for use in its current
fleet. Grenlec tracked the performance of the vehicles
The Grenlec team for mileage efficiency and fuel savings.

found that the
MILEAGE – 75-100 MPGe
high torque of
In the first six months of the pilot, the vehicles
electric motors averaged the equivalent of 100 miles per gallon
provides faster (MPGe) after traveling approximately 10,000 miles
in Grenada. The vehicles averaged 3.88 miles/kWh.
acceleration with Over time, the mileage averaged approximately
less noise than 75 MPGe. It is important to note that the actual
mileage for electric vehicles can vary based on road
a conventional
conditions, manufacturer/model type, weather, and
internal the operator’s driving style (speed and fast starts/
combustion stops).
engine car. FUEL COSTS
The electric vehicles averaged a 43% reduction in
fuel costs compared to their combustion-engine
counterparts with similar daily usage. In the first six
months of the pilot, the vehicles used a total of 2,550
kWh at a cost of US$1,082 which represents total
savings of US$828.50 in fuel costs. Because of the
van’s larger size, the vehicle consumed more energy
than the LEAFS.
lectrification—the shift from fossil fuel-
to electricity-powered transportation, Driving 100 miles in Grenada
Ecommercial and industrial processes, US$16.50 in gas-powered vehicle
and buildings—is becoming important in the US$9.70 in all-electric Nissan LEAF
reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,
increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved The vehicles averaged 100 miles on a single charge.
sustainability.
Electrification in the transportation industry And because the vehicles have fewer moving parts,
drives a host of benefits worldwide, including for it is expected that maintenance costs will be lower.
nations in the Caribbean that are striving to reduce
dependence on imported foreign fuel, increase ROAD PERFORMANCE
renewable energy, and strengthen resiliency. As The Grenlec team found that the high torque of
part of transport electrification, electric vehicles electric motors provides faster acceleration with less
(EVs) are gaining traction by proving to be more noise than a conventional internal combustion engine
energy-efficient, cost-effective, and gentler on car. The electric vehicles handle the road well, even on
the environment as compared to conventional Grenada’s hilly terrain.
internal combustion-engine (ICE) vehicles.

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