Commercial, Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions - June 14, 2024
Ionia, Michigan Adds Electric Vans
Dial-A-Ride, a department of the City of Ionia, Michigan, that provides low-fare rides to passengers within city limits and surrounding townships, added electric vehicles to its fleet.
The transportation service provides rides in its 11 vehicles and recently went electric. Two Ford E-Transit™ vans and two charging stations were purchased through PowerMIFleet™, a grant program offered by Michigan utility provider Consumers Energy. All of Ionia Dial-A-Ride’s vehicles, including the new Ford E-Transit™ vans, have been upfitted to be ADA accessible.
“We applied for the grant to provide Dial-A-Ride transportation for our community at a greater level while reducing our carbon footprint,” Ionia Dial-A-Ride Director Heidi Wenzel said in a statement. “Having a Dial-A-Ride transportation option gives disabled riders and their caretakers important socialization opportunities. “Dial-A-Ride is a living necessity for so many community members. They use it for non-emergency medical and work transit, as well as getting to the grocery store and the bank. We transport students to school and other activities, as well as many older adults to social activities.”
Ionia Dial-A-Ride uses two Ford Pro™ AC Charging Stations 48A to charge its E-Transit™ vans. Like many organizations, Wenzel and her team mainly use depot charging. The Level 2 chargers are mounted on a wall in the Ionia Dial-A-Ride facility so drivers can plug in when they return from their routes.
To manage the EV charging, Wenzel uses Ford Pro Charging Software to understand daily energy usage, see real-time charging status on the E-Transit vans, and schedule charging during off-peak hours.
Dial-A-Ride plans to increase its current electric fleet.
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