Wind River Internet Fleet
The Wind River Internet fleet currently includes seven electric vehicles and is continuing to expand as the organization works to provide fiber optic internet to 6,000 homes on and around the Wind River Reservation. Electric vehicles are used daily by IT technicians, wireless internet technicians, and fiber optic installers who travel long distances and frequently tow equipment across the reservation.
The Opportunity
As Wind River Internet has worked to bring fiber optic internet access to homes on and around the Wind River Reservation, dependable and cost-effective transportation has become increasingly important. The scale of the project created an opportunity to modernize the fleet with vehicles capable of supporting daily operations while reducing long-term operating costs. Transitioning to electric vehicles also offered the benefit of lowering fuel consumption and reducing emissions, helping support a more sustainable approach to serving the community.
The Solution
Wind River Internet has steadily transitioned to EV’s as part of its fleet strategy. The fleet evolution began with a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range and expanded through the use of Tesla Model Ys before transitioning to Ford F-150 Lightnings, which better meet the organization's heavy-duty operational needs.
Current EV fleet:
2 Tesla Model 3s
1 Tesla Model Y
3 Ford F-150 Lightnings
1 Chevy Silverado EV
Incoming EV (This summer!):
1 EV Van
1 additional EV truck
Vehicle deployment:
IT technicians utilize the cars and SUVs
Wireless internet technicians and fiber optic installers utilize the trucks,
Trucks regularly tow heavy equipment while supporting fiber optic internet installation projects across the reservation
Current usage
Each vehicle averages approximately 20,000 miles annually, or roughly 100 miles per workday
Crews work four 10-hour shifts per week and travel extensively across the reservation
Frequent maintenance and repair needs associated with traditional gas and diesel vehicles can result in downtime and increased operating costs
The fleet still has six non-EVs, including 1 van, 3 Heavy-duty diesel trucks, and 2 gas half-ton trucks
Percentage
Just over half of the fleet is made up of electric vehicles (54%), and they are looking to continue to increase that percentage
The Impact
The transition to electric vehicles has delivered significant long-term maintenance savings. Our 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, the first EV added to the fleet, has required only air filters and tires over the last eight years and continues to perform well with more than 250 miles of range. Prior to transitioning to Ford Lightnings, we also leased two Tesla Model Ys that incurred zero maintenance costs during their time in service.
The financial benefits have been equally compelling. While monthly payments for electric vehicles are slightly higher than those of comparable gas and diesel vehicles, the savings on fuel and maintenance have more than offset the difference. Given our high annual mileage, the total cost of ownership for our EVs is nearly half that of our gas and diesel trucks.
Electric vehicles have proven to be more reliable in daily operations. Reduced maintenance needs mean less downtime and fewer disruptions for our crews. In Wyoming's harsh winter conditions, the EVs have consistently been the most dependable vehicles in the fleet and are currently the only vehicles that reliably start during the coldest temperatures!
What’s Next?
Wind River Internet plans to continue expanding its electric vehicle fleet, with an EV van and an additional EV truck scheduled to be added this summer. Looking ahead, the goal is to transition even more vehicles to electric as manufacturers introduce additional heavy-duty truck options equipped with fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch capabilities. By continuing to invest in EV technology, Wind River Internet aims to further reduce operating costs, improve fleet reliability, and support the growing demand for fiber optic internet service across the Reservation and surrounding communities.
