The University of Minnesota is studying the cost ramifications of converting all campus vehicles to electric power as it tries to attain its goal of net zero carbon emissions.
According to student news outlet Minnesota Daily, an eight-month long project will collect data on campus buses and vans, tracking the number of miles traveled, location and average idle time, says Director of Parking and Transportation Services Ross Allanson.
The study will evaluate the costs and logistics involved with making the switch by gathering data from 100 vehicles during a 90-day span. Once the first study is completed, the data collecting software will be transferred to another 100 vehicles for another 90-day period.
The university will use the data to help determine the best places to install overnight charging stations as well as determine how many are needed, Director of Central Services in Facilities Management Linda Weingarten told the website.
Minnesota Daily previously reported about a year ago that the university owned about 40 hybrid vehicles. The conversion would take years to complete, according to the article.
Dave Lubach is managing editor, Facility Market.
