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Eaton Corp. announced a collaborative agreement to supply federal departments and agencies with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and related installation and services equipment, through a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) contract awarded to Autoflex, Inc. The contract is an element of the federal government’s Electric Vehicle Pilot Program, a targeted investment to incorporate EVs and charging infrastructure into federal vehicle and building portfolios.
To prepare for program expansion, Eaton and veteran-owned AutoFlex engaged with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Community College of Baltimore County to create VETCARS, a pilot training and occupational program instructing veterans how to install and service EV charging infrastructure, as well as, earn a certificate to maintain new advanced battery technology. The program will also help provide employment for deserving veterans.
“This is an excellent example of how the public and private sectors can collaborate to enhance the government’s sustainability efforts,” said Jim Dankowski, manager, Marketing and Business Development, Government Sales and Solutions, Eaton. “The Electric Vehicle Pilot Program will also help stimulate small businesses and provide returning veterans with jobs in communities across the country.”
Autoflex, Inc. is a fleet industry service for transportation, energy and environmental projects, and pioneer in the market development of alternative fueled vehicles. The pilot program is designed to advance plans to cut government petroleum consumption by 30 percent and supports an executive order for the U.S. to procure one million EVs by 2015.
With more than 60 charging stations already successfully delivered, the Electric Vehicle Pilot Program is expanding beyond the original five test cities: Washington; Detroit; and Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, Calif.
“As a ‘best value’ GSA Schedule teaming solution, our collaboration with Eaton positions our team to assist the government in achieving their internal sustainability goals while setting a precedent for the general public and creating global awareness for the fleet capability of alternative-fueled vehicles,” said Luis MacDonald, president of AutoFlex.
