Missouri Fire Department to Electrify Dozens of Vehicles

The Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department (KCFD) is transitioning its light-duty fleet vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).

Electrifying Administrative KCFD Vehicles

This initiative includes vehicles assigned to administrative chiefs in management, as well as the department's risk reduction office, which includes fire inspectors.

The department ordered 45 new electric vehicles, including:

• 14 Ford Mustang Mach-Es.
• 27 Chevrolet Bolts.
• 4 Ford F-150 Lightnings.

This fleet replacement is part of KCFD's ongoing sustainability and fiscal responsibility commitment.

The department estimates that the net savings over the useful life of each EV compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is $14,000 per vehicle, with an estimated total savings of over $600,000 for this recent set of EVs ordered.

The fire department has 22 chargers placed at eight stations around the city.

“I’m proud to stand here with members of the Kansas City Fire Department today. Our first department to take a substantial delivery of electric vehicles," Mayor Quinton Lucas said. "Kansas City City Council, City Manager, and the Mayor’s office have worked hard to make sure that we are using more electric vehicles that will be safer long term, cleaner and more affordable for our taxpayers. One of our city’s goals is to be environmentally sustainable and carbon neutral by 2040 and to make sure our entire fleet of electric vehicles are installed by 2030."

Commitment to a Greener Fleet Citywide

In regard to EVs, Kansas City's municipal fleet currently consists of 16 Chevy Bolts, and 13 other various EVs, a department spokesperson told Government Fleet.

Government Fleet reported that in 2021, City Manager Brian Platt directed all new municipal fleet purchases for the city must be EVs when available.

“This is one of the many ways that Kansas City is prioritizing sustainability, not just for our operations but for our city as a whole," Platt said. "Reducing harmful emissions from vehicles, from buildings, from all the things that happen in the city is one of the many ways that we are helping to improve the quality of life and air in Kansas City. We are becoming an example nationally of how cities can improve our environment, become leaders in sustainability and do better for our residents and our visitors."

The department's transition to an electric fleet aligns with the city's wider goals to promote green initiatives and serves as a model for other departments in the region.

"We are responsible for future generations to think and act sustainably. Transitioning to electric vehicles is one step in fulfilling this commitment," Interim Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said.