Operation

State Fleet Policy
Fleet Maintenance Work Order Request
Safety Inspections

Driver Authorization

  • Policy & Form– Driver authorization request form. All URI drivers must first complete this form and submit it to the Office of Risk Control, please allow 2 weeks to process.
  • Off Campus Authorization form–
    Permission is hereby requested to operate a URI vehicle off campus.  Planned use for this 
    vehicle is in accordance with State and University Policy and should its use change, the URI Fleet 
    Manager and/or the Director of Facilities Services will be notified in writing.

Fueling

  • Wex Fuel Card Policy– Wex cards can be used as a form of payment for vehicle expenses with department preapproval. Please contact Fleet Operations with questions.
  • Replacement Fuel Key Request – please fill out and return to Fleet Manager Bonnie Jacob. Requested by will be Fleet Manager Bonnie Jacob
  • RI State Fleet Fuel Site Locations– This is a list of Rhode Island fuel site. The blue fuel fob can be used at any of these locations.

How to take care of your electric vehicle (EV) battery

Most GM electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by batteries that are designed to last as long as the propulsion systems on gas-powered vehicles. Unlike a gas-powered vehicle’s engine, which requires regular maintenance like changing the oil every few thousand miles, GM EV batteries are designed to require no maintenance. However, you can maximize your GM battery’s life by following a few basic habits.

Getting started with EV battery maintenance

GM has designed its batteries to withstand normal vehicle use without any maintenance of the battery. However, there are still some basic best practices you can follow to help you maximize your vehicle’s performance over its lifespan. 

EV battery do’s and don’ts

1. If possible, plug in your EV when you’re not driving.

a. EV batteries can be sensitive to temperature changes, but if it’s plugged in, the battery can draw power to maintain the right conditions inside the battery to help keep it healthy and maximize performance.

i. For example, if there’s a sudden drop in temperature overnight, the cold temperature can negatively affect your EV’s range. But if your EV is plugged in, it can draw power from the grid to warm itself up and avoid losing driving range.

ii. When your EV is plugged in, you can precondition the cabin before your drive so the cabin temperature is more comfortable.

2. Set your target charge level at 80% and set a departure time in your EV’s Charging app.

a. This will help make sure your EV is ready and charged when you need it.

i. Electric vehicle batteries charge faster at lower states of charge. Your vehicle’s rate of charging will start slowing down as your battery fills up, especially above 80% charge. To make your charging stops shorter and more efficient, it often makes sense to stop charging around 80%.

ii. Charging your battery to 80% for daily use helps promote battery health and optimal regenerative braking performance.

iii. For longer trips, you can adjust your charge above 80% for extended range.

3. Use DC fast public charging when necessary, but keep in mind that regularly doing so back-to-back (without a rest in between) can degrade the battery a little faster than AC charging at home.

Registration

Duplicate Registration Request Form – All plated vehicles must retain a copy of their State of Rhode Island vehicle registration usually found in the glove box. If a duplicate is required, please fill out and return to this form to the Fleet Manager. (Requested by will be the Fleet Manager)

Keys

The University of Rhode Island Automotive Shop is required to maintain a complete set of all University vehicle keys. When purchasing a new vehicle it is delivered with 2 sets of keys, one designated for the Automotive shop. If a department requires any additional keys they must be purchased and added to the requisition.

Violations

Department Responsibility: Toll Violations

  1. Violation Receipt: When toll violations arrive, the Fleet Manager will log and track them. An email will be sent to the Department fleet contact requesting payment and proof of payment.
  2. Vehicle Identification: Match the violation to the specific company vehicle and time of occurrence.
  3. Driver Verification: Identify which employee was using the vehicle during the violation.
  4. Payment Processing: Department handles payment of all toll violations and must submit verification to the URI Fleet Manager within 5 days.
  5. Record Keeping: Maintain documentation of all toll violations for accounting and vehicle history.

Employee Responsibility: Driver Violations / Tickets

  1. Consequences: Consequences for excessive tickets or failure to report will be handled by assigned Department..
  2. Notification Requirement: Employees must immediately report any driving tickets received while operating company vehicles.
  3. Documentation: Employee provides a copy of the ticket to their supervisor within 24 hours.
  4. Payment Obligation: Employee is responsible for paying all driver tickets (speeding, parking, moving violations, etc.).
  5. Proof of Resolution: Employee must provide proof that the ticket has been paid or contested.