First Things First

Does your organization have an AFV implementation plan? Is it in writing? Is it up-to-date? Is it detailed? Who is responsible for oversight? How do you measure success?

For a fleet that either currently operates AFVs or has specific plans to begin in the near future, an AFV implementation plan is critical. This plan documents the who, what, where, when and how of introducing and using AFVs in the fleet and is valuable to all departments within the organization – whether they are directly involved with the fleet or not.

When working with fleets, we are often asked, “What does an AFV implementation plan contain?” Here is a brief outline we recommend to our fleet clients.

I. Corporate Mission for AFVs
Articulates why the company is transitioning to alternative fuels and how aggressive that transition will be
II. Current Fleet Situation
Describes the purpose and unique characteristics of the fleets; documents a snapshot of the fleet vehicle inventory and all related statistics
III. Fleet Analysis & AFV Options
Describes the process used to determine which AFVs and fuels were viable options, including business case calculations
IV. AFV Strategy
Spells out which alternative fuels and vehicles were chosen and why, as well as timeframes for the various phases of the plan
V. Vehicle Procurement Plan
Details annual vehicle replacements and new additions, including pro-forma budget
VI. Fueling Plan
Describes fuels chosen and discusses how vehicles will be fueled
VII. Internal Communications Plan (This section is often omitted, but is vital.)
Details how management, finance, purchasing, drivers, technicians, fuelers and others will be communicated with about the plan and how they fit in
VIII. Public Relations Plan (This is another often overlooked element of the plan.)
Describes how the media and the organization’s clients, two of several key audiences, will be communicated with about the plan and the motivations behind it
IX. Training Plan (Having this phase of the plan in place in advance of implementation is especially important.)
Details how training, which is critical to the success of the AFV program, will be delivered to a variety of audiences, including, but not limited to drivers and technicians
X. Evaluation Plan
Provides the benchmarks against which the plan will be evaluated, along with timetables and a plan for mid-course corrections, if necessary.

Many organizations have the expertise to develop an effective AFV implementation plans internally, and others need assistance. AFVi offers at least two resources for fleet professionals who need assistance. First, our two-day training course “Greening Your Fleet:  Choosing Alternative Fuels and Vehicle Right for Your Fleet” teaches participants how to analyze their fleets and make wise, systematic AFV choices. Second, AFVi offers professional assistance to fleet owners and operators to develop a thorough AFV implementation plan.

Whether you “do it yourself” or engage professional help, experience shows those organizations who have taken the time to think through and document a plan are more likely to have success.

For more information about AFVi’s training and professional assistance, visit our website at www.afvi.org.