The Benefits of Hospitals Switching to Electric Low-Speed Vehicles for Shuttle Operations

Is traffic running smoothly and efficiently in and around your hospital parking lots and intercampus roadways? If not, you may have traffic flow challenges—both vehicle and pedestrian. Hospital parking solutions must account for large, spread-out campuses. Shuttle buses can transport doctors, nurses, and other staff from a distant parking lot to the main building, saving closer spaces for patients and visitors. Hospitals can also offer shuttles for outpatients and visitors. If your facility currently uses standard shuttle buses, consider the benefits of switching to electric-powered low-speed vehicles (LSVs). We’ll tell you how sustainable shuttle services can improve operational efficiency, patient and employee satisfaction, and your bottom line.

What Are Low-Speed Electric Vehicles?

A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is typically an electric-powered vehicle that travels slower than standard automobiles and buses. Many LSVs have an average range of 30 miles on a single charge.

Electric vehicles use less energy, reducing your facility’s carbon footprint and helping you save money while providing value for patients, visitors, and staff. Low-speed vehicles (LSV) are a special class of EVs that may be perfect for larger hospitals and medical facilities that need more efficient methods of intra-facility transport. 

What are the Benefits of Electric Vehicles?

Electric low-speed vehicles provide many benefits when used for a hospital’s shuttle services, from demonstrating a commitment to the environment to saving money on fuel costs.

Energy Efficiency

Battery-run electric vehicles are far more energy efficient than gas and especially diesel vehicles like buses. LSVs can convert up to 91% of the battery’s energy into powering the wheels, whereas a gas vehicle only converts up to 21% from its burning fuel.

Sustainability

EVs reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses, which are the leading cause of climate change since no tailpipe emissions exist. You can charge a battery-run vehicle with electricity from solar or wind power. Hospitals benefit from this autonomy, especially during emergencies that might affect supply chains and fuel deliveries. An EV lasts longer than a conventional vehicle, up to 200,000 miles.

Reduced Operating Costs

With EVs, hospitals save money on fuel and vehicle maintenance. They can also qualify for rebates and incentives, such as federal tax credits. LSVs are ideal for short-distance shuttles since they can make many trips on a single charge. Moreover, some LSVs are autonomous, meaning they’re self-driven. They also don’t require Commercial Drivers Licenses and the higher wages that come with them!

Less Maintenance

Due to their highly efficient electric motor, EVs need less maintenance than gas vehicles. EVs are cheaper to maintain than gas vehicles since they have fewer moving parts and are less susceptible to wear and tear. 

Charging and Battery Life

Electric vehicles can be easily charged in a maintenance garage or public charging station rather than needing a fuel supply. EV batteries are highly reliable and last over eight years or 100,000 miles.

Noise Reduction

Since EVs don’t have internal combustion engines, they’re much quieter than their gas-powered counterparts.

Safety

LSVs are safer than other vehicles. There is a lower risk of fire, as battery fires are very rare compared to the fire hazards of an internal combustion engine. EVs are heavier and have a lower center of gravity than gas-powered cars, so there is less of a danger of flipping over. LSVs have a maximum speed of 25 mph, greatly enhancing safety in high-traffic areas. 

Improved Patient Experience

A convenient shuttle service for patients and their guests helps improve the overall patient experience. Clean-running, technologically advanced vehicles show them that you run a modern facility focused on customer satisfaction.  

Are you wondering how to improve operational efficiency in healthcare facilities? Using electric, low-speed vehicles for shuttle operations is one step hospital managers can take. This advanced technology helps to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while providing an efficient, sustainable transportation solution. Every step you take toward improving efficiency in a hospital has far-reaching benefits, including employee and customer satisfaction and patient outcomes.

FC Valet Transforms Hospital Parking Solutions

If you’re interested in sustainable shuttle services, FC Valet can help. We work closely with those in the hospital industry to develop cost-effective solutions for healthcare valet services that fit your needs. At FC Valet, we assist you through the planning stage, execution, and ongoing management. We’ll discuss your options, from LSVs to electric bus operations. In addition, we provide state-of-the-art valet services and parking lot management.

Teaming up with FC Valet for your hospital parking needs is an excellent choice. We provide seamless, high-quality, and experienced hospital shuttle services with a focus on sustainability. Improve your hospital parking lot operations and contact us today.