Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts recently announced their transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by purchasing 22 Tesla Model 3s, a move spearheaded by Fleet Manager Dave Bolderoff. The decision, driven by cost-effectiveness and efficiency, marks a significant shift in the district’s approach to fleet management.
Bolderoff highlighted the financial advantage of this acquisition, noting that each Tesla Model 3, after incentives and rebates, cost only $30,625. This price point, combined with a 272-mile range, made Tesla an attractive option, especially after Chevrolet discontinued the Bolt.
The Tesla purchase was not just about cost savings. Bolderoff praised the efficiency of Tesla’s ordering process, particularly for business accounts. The online system allowed for straightforward and quick ordering, without the restricted ordering windows often experienced with other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
Communication was another area where Tesla excelled. The majority of updates and coordination occurred through Tesla’s online business portal and email, supported by a dedicated account representative. This seamless communication was a stark contrast to the typical experiences with legacy OEMs.
One of the most notable advantages was the rapid delivery time. The Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts received all 22 vehicles within just 14 days of placing the order online. In comparison, Bolderoff pointed out the lengthy delays often encountered with traditional OEMs, where manufacturing and delivery can take several months, followed by additional time spent in dealer lots for processing.
These inefficiencies in the traditional vehicle procurement process have been a source of frustration for fleet management, particularly in planning and replacing vehicles. Bolderoff expressed hope that Tesla’s approach would motivate legacy OEMs to improve their processes.
The move to Tesla vehicles by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts is seen as a significant step in adopting more efficient and environmentally friendly fleet management practices. Bolderoff’s endorsement of Tesla’s system underscores the growing trend towards EVs in public sector fleets, signaling a potential shift in industry standards.
[via @AAbcdefghabc]
