Alternative Vehicle Fleet at Dalhousie University

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using alternative fuel vehicles, as Dalhousie University fleet vehicles. Through a wide range of academic and grey literature sources and studies the various environmental, social and economic cost benefits were assessed for alternative fuel technologies that Dalhousie, in theory could implement. To supplement this research, a survey and interviews were conducted with Dalhousie employees, who use these vehicles on a regular basis, to find out what their thoughts, concerns and reservations were on the potential switch to alternative fuel vehicles. After having taken this information into account three alternative fuel options were deemed feasible for implementation. These options were as follows: Hybrid, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEV) and electric vehicles. In addition to our findings, it is recommended that a pilot program be executed to assess the benefits and drawbacks associated with alternative fuel vehicles being used in the place of conventional gasoline fueled vehicles. Furthermore the use of a fleet vehicle management system would be beneficial to record and analyze how the current fleet is performing to better understand what vehicles produce the most emissions and which vehicles require replacement before others.