As part of Cox Enterprises’ goal to reduce its carbon, water and waste effects on the environment by 2034, Cox Automotive Mobility is making advances in fleet electrification, the company announced Sept. 26.

Cox Automotive Mobility will open an advanced electric vehicle training center for fleet technicians, expand its mobile charging services nationwide, and modernized fleet and refurbishment services, such as coverting internal combustion engine vehicles to electrified versions. These services are the first of several that will propel a range of new commitments from Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services with the larger goal of sustainability.

The company pledges to make at least 50% of its fleet zero carbon emissions by 2030, following the guideline of a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory which recommends the U.S. cuts greenhouse gas emissions by half in the next eight years to prevent the worst of climate change. The company also cites the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Better Climate Challenge,” encouraging companies to reduce their carbon emissions by 50% by 2032.

"In addition to modernizing our own fleet, we are prioritizing electric vehicle technician training and developing groundbreaking solutions to help our partners modernize their fleets,” said Ted Coltrain, vice president of operations for Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services, in a news release.

Among the company's goals in this effort:

Deliver an EV Technician Training and Certification Program

The industry needs technicians trained to be proficient in the EV world, including the tools, techniques and safety procedures. To do so, Cox Automotive Mobility will officially launch its Advanced EV Training Center at FleeTec Academy in Indianapolis in Q4 2022. Both aspiring and experienced technicians who work for Cox Automotive will be able to take the training. Cox is also exploring opportunities to help counsel and train techs at other companies as a way to further progress in the industry overall.

Grow Electric Commercial Fleet Adoption

• Cox Automotive Mobility will drive fleet electrification with conversion capabilities to modernize customers’ inventory, also helping combat supply chain issues with getting new trucks. It has already completed an ICE to EV conversion on one of its mobile service trucks with plans to convertmore.

• The company will also drive electric fleet adoption by offering on-demand, mobile charging. This allows fleet owners to decrease down time through proper servicing of EV batteries and optimizing of charge cycles. More than 500 Cox Automotive Mobility service trucks are equipped with mobile EV charging capability, with an additional 350 trucks to be outfitted in 2023.

Within Cox Automotive Mobility, Fleet Services will continue its collaboration with EV Battery Solutions to solve challenges around recycling, repairs, remanufacturing and refurbishment. Emerging Ventures will also lead battery health vitals and provide insights through research and development for fleet electrification.

Through its Cox Conserves sustainability program, Cox has invested nearly $140 million in more than 400 sustainability and conservation projects. Cox is on track to meet its aggressive goals of zero waste to landfill by 2024 and becoming carbon and water neutral by 2034.