Duke Energy pledges major electrification of vehicle fleet by 2030

As part of a pledge issued this week, Duke Energy intends to convert all of its light duty vehicles to electric, along with half of its medium duty, heavy duty and off-road vehicles to a mix of electric, plug-in hybrids, and other zero carbon alternatives, all by 2030.

That would affect around 10,000 vehicles — a staggering uptick, given that the company currently has around just 600 electric vehicles in its fleet. All told, the plan could reduce Duke’s CO2 emissions by 60,000 metric tons and its petroleum usage by 10 million gallons per year.

“We’ve set a bold vision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from electric generation by 2050. But beyond how we generate power, we’re looking at other ways to transform our business to reduce emissions,” Lynn Good, chair, president and CEO of Duke Energy, said. “Electric vehicles are an important part of that strategy. With our new pledge, we’re committed to transitioning our fleet and spurring adoption within our communities.”

By changing the transportation composition at one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States, the changes should also help reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. Nearly 4,000 light duty vehicles and approximately 50 percent of the company’s 6,000 combined fleet vehicles of other types should benefit from the change. The efforts also build on EV pilots and workplace chargers Duke has worked to install in some of its various service areas.