Location: Lansing, Michigan
Fleet type:Â Utility fleet
Narrative: A core part of the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s (BWL) mission is delivering innovative, climate-smart utility services to customers across the Greater Lansing area. Climate smart solutions must meet BWL’s central responsibilities as a non-profit municipal utility – providing reliable, safe, and affordable service 365 days a year. The 2026 BWL Strategic Plan outlines how BWL will meet its mission through 2030 centering on climate-conscious solutions to organizational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and maintain BWL’s position as an industry leader for corporate sustainability. BWL’s fleet is one component of this overall strategy.Â
BWL’s fleet electrification journey began long before EV’s gained momentum amongst consumers. In the mid-1990s, as a founding member of Michigan Clean Cities, the utility operated natural gas vehicles as part of its commitment to exploring low-emission transportation options. BWL’s natural gas vehicles remained operational until the early 2000s when General Motors discontinued the relevant powertrain. Ethanol and biodiesel were also a part of BWL’s clean fleet and use continues into the present day when possible – at private retail fueling stations. The experience laid the groundwork for BWL’s current fleet strategy, as the utility continues to adopt innovative automotive technologies today.Â
As battery electric models became more capable and affordable, BWL gradually expanded its use of electric vehicles and involvement in EV adoption across Michigan. From 2010 to 2012, BWL also participated in the Michigan Public Service Commission’s Plug-In Electric Vehicle Preparedness Taskforce. First, BWL adopted light-duty neighborhood electric vehicles in 2007 (still in service). BWL’s Ford Transit Connect EV was received in 2012 (no longer in service) as was a Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for employee work related trips. At the same time, BWL ran the first utility sponsored customer EV and EV charging project that provided an incentive for BWL customers to purchase Chevy Volts and receive Level 2 chargers at home and at work. The Taskforce helped produce the Plug-In Ready Michigan plan (2012) to help municipalities adopt EVs and incorporate EV charging readiness into planning and zoning codes. More recently, in 2024 BWL has added Chevrolet Bolt vehicles, Ford E-Transit vans, two hybrid-electric bucket trucks, and additional Level 2 charging infrastructure to support fleet operations and the public. With an electric Chevrolet Equinox on order in 2026, BWL continues to take a measured approach to fleet electrification by matching vehicle technologies to the work the fleet needs to do.Â
Outputs & Outcomes: BWL’s electrification of light duty fleet vehicles and exploration of increased biodiesel usage supports multiple outcomes for the organization and the Greater Lansing area as a whole: Â
- As an early adopter of innovative technology, BWL has been critical to advancing EV presence across the national utility sector, bringing sustainability goals on paper to fruition.Â
- Fleet electrification continues to deliver long-term savings through reduced fuel and maintenance costs for BWL.
- BWL’s continued investment in EVs supports reliable utility services for customers backed by a clean energy portfolio growing to 50% clean energy by 2040. Â
Best Practices & Lessons Learned: BWL’s EV journey has been successful because it has been informed by involvement with the US DOE Clean Cities and Communities network. BWL’s moderate EV adoption rate is based on the understanding that vehicle OEMs and EV charger OEMs, especially in the early years of the technology, may not remain committed to a technology for more than 5 – 10 years, requiring a fleet makeup that is fuel and technology diverse to avoid downtime. Additionally, ensuring that the duty cycle of any given vehicle guides powertrain selection allows for smooth EV integration. For example, vehicles used for predictable, low-mileage trips and scheduled assignments across BWL’s warehouses, yards, and service territory offer great entry points for electrification. In contrast, medium and heavy-duty fleet vehicles have remained diesel or diesel-electric hybrid because of their demanding power and run time requirements. BWL must critically assess what use cases can be electrified first without sacrificing operational function.Â
About Lansing Board of Water & LightÂ
The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) is a municipally-owned public utility that serves 100,000 electric and 58,000 water customers throughout the greater Lansing area. BWL’s roots go back to 1885, when Lansing citizens approved the formation of a municipal drinking water system. Electricity was added in 1892, steam heat in 1919, and chilled water in 2001. The mission of the BWL is to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable utility experience through public ownership, climate consciousness, and innovative strategies. BWL delivers on this mission by retaining a diverse, highly skilled workforce and implementing innovative technology solutions. Â
About Drive Electric Michigan
Drive Electric Michigan (DEMI) is dedicated to increasing electric vehicle adoption in Michigan by engaging with policymakers, utilities, dealerships, and most importantly consumers. Michigan Clean Cities (MICC) leads DEMI by leveraging Michigan’s mobility ecosystem to reduce barriers to EV adoption for fleets and community members. DEMI is an affiliated state program of the DRIVE Electric USA initiative developing state-based DRIVE Electric programs across the U.S. that engage individuals, utilities, legislators, dealerships, and others toward removing adoption barriers and accelerating plug-in electric vehicle use.
