Finding the Right Utility Vehicle

Part 1: Utility Vehicles: Assess Payload, Towing Capacity

Part 2: Utility Vehicles: Application Helps Determine Attachments

Part 3: Electric Utility Vehicles Bring Benefits, Questions

Part 4: Utility Vehicles: Training and Safety

Part 5: PRODUCTS: Utility Vehicles

Electric Utility Vehicles Bring Benefits, Questions

By Howard Mees - March 2010

Increasingly, managers must consider sustainable practices. The process includes assessing the impact of utility vehicles on the environment related to fuel types and noise levels. Manufacturers have rolled out a number of electric vehicles in recent years, but managers must be cautious about using electric models in place of gasoline- or diesel-fuel models.

While an electric utility vehicle is quieter and produces no tailpipe emissions, managers need to consider several other factors. Electric vehicles can use components mechanics might not have diagnosed or repaired before. This scenario can present problems gasoline and diesel vehicles do not create and, as a result, can inhibit productivity.

For example, if a gasoline-powered vehicle is out of fuel, it is an easy and quick task for the operator or mechanic to get it running again. But if an operator forgets to plug in an electric utility vehicle, it could take four-eight hours to charge it, which means crews will have to use another piece of equipment.