ELECTRIC PILOT DRIVES A CLEANER, MORE PROFITABLE FUTURE
U.S. Air Conditioning Distributors move into battery electric vehicles (BEVs) began with a pilot of two International® eMV™ Series electric vehicles. They now operate four eMVs, with plans to reach seven by year-end. Drivers rave about the trucks' power, quietness, and range of 190-210 miles per charge, while the company enjoys significant fuel and total cost of ownership savings.
For more than three decades, U.S. Air Conditioning Distributors has embraced innovative solutions to stay ahead in the competitive HVAC distribution industry. Their latest venture into battery electric vehicles (BEVs) exemplifies their unwavering commitment to technological advancement and sustainability.
“Supporting new technology and new ways of thinking is a part of our culture," says Jack Scarsi, VP of Operations and Finance, US Air conditioning.
As a distributor of high-efficiency equipment to companies and suppliers across the west coast and beyond, the trucks they drive are also a huge contributor to their forward-thinking corporate image.
“It’s important for us to walk the talk on efficiency and new technology across our business,” he adds. “Our electric fleet has become our calling card. In fact, every time we arrive at a job site, our customers comment how quiet they are.”
U.S. Air Conditioning’s strategic shift to BEVs began with a test drive of the International eMV Series vehicles. “Our drivers were very impressed,” Scarsi recalls. The company's long-standing relationship with their dealer proved invaluable, with representatives from Westrux International helping guide Scarsi and his team through the grant application process that made the transition financially feasible. (Learn more about the company’s journey to electric here.)
Starting with two trucks in a pilot program, U.S. Air Conditioning quickly gained confidence in their proof of concept.
“We really catered to their needs from start to finish,” says Anthony Garza, Sales Representative, Westrux International. “Helping Jack and his drivers understand the technology and where it is right now made the whole process seamless. Our role is to help customers assess if the BEV technology is viable for their specific applications and to make the transition easy.”
Currently, U.S. Air Conditioning operates 28 delivery trucks at their City of Industry headquarters, four of them electric. Plans are in place to increase this number to seven by year-end, demonstrating the company’s dedication to embracing the benefits of electric vehicles.
Those benefits start at the driver level. And at U.S. Air Conditioning, the drivers' response to BEVs has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Our drivers fell in love with the trucks,” says Scarsi. “We hear time and time again about the quietness and how easy they are to drive.”
With a range varying from 190 to 210 miles per charge, the eMV Series comfortably meet U.S. Air Conditioning's daily delivery needs. As more companies consider whether BEVs could be an option for them, International offers a route simulator tool and works alongside customers to ensure the eMV’s range can work for their needs, whether it be for last-mile deliveries, regional haul, or school bus transportation.
“Confirming the range of the BEVs was a game-changer for us,” says Scarsi. “For those fleets wondering if electric trucks are a possibility, it’s vital to have confidence in that information.”
Starting the path to electrification with a pilot program, like Scarsi and U.S. Air Conditioning did, provided that peace of mind. And working with a trusted advisor to develop strategies around everything from sustainability goals to cost savings to charging systems ensured that Scarsi and his team had access to the necessary training and support to navigate the process and make the program a success.
For example, the transition to BEVs required some infrastructure adjustments for U.S. Air Conditioning, which took a staggered approach with its charging strategy. “We had already installed infrastructure for employee electric vehicles and that worked for our first two eMV’s," Scarsi explains. “We soon discovered after that, we needed to upgrade our charging infrastructure to a DC fast charger.”
Power supplier Southern California Edison played a crucial role in expanding the company's charging capacity, assisting with drawings and permitting. International's dedicated team for charging infrastructure also provided invaluable support, with reps serving as a conduit with the local utility.
Across the board, the eMV Series has exceeded expectations in terms of power and capacity. “I think our biggest surprise for our drivers was the power that these vehicles have. No shifting of gears. It's just put it in drive and go,” says Scarsi. While U.S. Airconditioning typically carries loads up to 18,000-20,000 pounds, the trucks are capable of handling up to 35,000 pounds.
Plus, the addition of the DC fast charging infrastructure allows for increased vehicle utilization. “You can use your vehicles on two or three shifts a day, take it from 25,000 miles a year to maybe 50,000,” the representative explains, highlighting the potential for improved operational efficiency.
The switch to BEVs has already yielded significant bottom-line benefits, with U.S. Air Conditioning citing $15,000 in annual fuel costs per eMV Series. But the biggest anticipated impact is the long-term savings in repair costs that won’t be needed due to the straightforward design and fewer parts of the electric vehicles.
“It absolutely is a total cost of ownership plan,” says Scarsi.
His advice to others considering the switch? The functionality and the range are more than capable of handling many last mile delivery and regional haul applications, but it’s important to align with a partner that can help you navigate the process from start to finish.
“The ongoing support from International has been crucial,” Scarsi says. “They’ve been with us throughout this process. As the years go on and technology changes, it's nice to have partners you can trust to take that journey together.”
U.S. Air Conditioning’s expansion of its BEV fleet not only paves the way for a cleaner, more profitable future but also sets a benchmark for other businesses to follow.
Start planning today. Connect with a trusted advisor for a complimentary consultation and see if BEVs are a good fit for your business.
