ComEd to electrify half its vehicle fleet in pivot toward greenhouse gas reduction

ComEd plans to fully electricity half of its 3,000 vehicle fleet by 2030, the company announced last week, and eliminate some 29,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions along the way.

Currently, the transportation sector accounts for one-third of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to ComEd. The company’s fleet includes 1,400 biodiesel-fueled line trucks and 430 units capable of running on E85. While more than 200 of its vehicles are currently hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric or fully electric vehicles, the new plan represents a major green shift.

“We’re all learning more about the link between air pollution and higher mortality rates from COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact on communities of color,” ComEd CEO Joe Dominguez said. “Cleaning up the transportation sector is key to improving the lives of our citizens. Greening our own fleet is one way we can help create cleaner air in our communities. A crucial next step is preparing the grid to support increased electrification of our large customer’s vehicle fleets and the widespread adoption of personal EVs.”

To reach that 50 percent shift, ComEd intends to complete 30 percent electrification by 2025. Even that, it says, will wipe out another 2,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The replacements will focus on end-of-life internal combustion vehicles — specifically light duty vehicles — converting them to plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles.