Building a Zero-Emission Fleet
A critical effort of MacDonald-Miller’s Climate Pledge is converting MMFS’s fleet of over 800 vehicles from internal combustion engines (ICE) to zero-emission vehicles. While heavy-duty, zero-emission commercial vehicles are still limited, Meghan Marquardt, Logistics and Fleet Manager, explains that electric vehicles (EVs) are currently the best option and already represent 10% of the MMFS fleet.
“The goal is to get to zero emissions. It’s 2025. We have till 2040. We have 15 years of science and a push within technology to be able to advance. Right now, it’s a stepping stone to get as far as we can with the current technology and infrastructure. But if there’s a way for us to cut emissions in half, if not more, we’re going to find that way.”
Testing new EV models is essential before full commercial deployment. The fleet team weighs factors like cost-efficiency, technician needs, available charging infrastructure, and driving range. Marquardt says, “We have a great relationship with GM and so they have provided vehicles before purchase to be able to test.”
MacDonald-Miller has even been highlighted by GM for Chevy Silverado EV “upfits” – aftermarket additions like racks and canopy storage which help the vehicle meet the service requirements of the fleet.
The introduction of new EV models to the MacDonald-Miller fleet is only the beginning. The transition involves infrastructure improvements and innovation, but Marquardt’s confident the company will hit its Scope 1 target by 2040.
Progress is about “percent by percent change” guided by available infrastructure and emerging technologies. The journey toward a sustainable fleet is as much about today’s creativity and flexibility as it is about tomorrow’s innovation.
Read more about our climate committment.