Sustainability Meets Innovation: Exploring Electric Vehicles with S&B USA

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into the exciting world of electric vehicles and their impact on the construction industry. We are thrilled to welcome back Eido Almog, the Director of Strategy and Business Development for S&B USA, a global infrastructure and construction company.

Eido shares insights from S&B USA's recent pilot program focused on electrifying their fleet, which includes both on-road vehicles and off-road construction equipment. He discusses the motivations behind this initiative, highlighting the dual goals of reducing emissions for environmental sustainability and staying at the forefront of technological advancements in construction.

Throughout the episode, Eido provides a detailed overview of the data collection process that informed their decisions, revealing surprising findings about where the majority of emissions were coming from—primarily from on-road vehicles rather than heavy machinery. He emphasizes the importance of aligning the pilot program with capital expenditure plans to gain leadership buy-in, making it easier to transition to electric vehicles as older models are retired.

Listeners will learn about the specific electric vehicles S&B USA has integrated into their fleet, including two Ford F-150 Lightnings, and the infrastructure they are developing to support these vehicles, such as strategically placed chargers at job sites and employee homes. Eido also shares valuable lessons learned during the pilot, including the significance of vehicle range and the user experience, as well as the decision to maintain a traditional corporate branding approach for the electric trucks to avoid any stigma associated with driving an electric vehicle on job sites.

As the conversation unfolds, we explore the broader implications of electrification in construction, including potential cost savings and the innovative solutions that can arise from integrating electric technology into traditional practices. Eido also touches on the future of S&B USA's electrification efforts, with plans to expand their electric vehicle fleet and further develop their infrastructure.

This episode is packed with insights for construction professionals interested in sustainability and innovation. Join us as we uncover the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning to electric fleets in the construction industry. Don't miss this engaging discussion that promises to inspire and inform!