Oklahoma Receives First Made-in-State EVs

The state of Oklahoma has received its first three made-in-state electric vehicles from Canoo as a part of the state’s ongoing fleet modernization initiative. At a combined cost of $119,850, these three Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) are the first of their kind in the state fleet, with one each assigned to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Corrections.

“For the first time in 17 years, vehicle manufacturing is back in Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Gov. J. Kevin Stitt. “As we find new efficiencies within the fleet, Canoo’s new Oklahoma-made electric vehicles align perfectly with our fleet modernization goals, and I couldn’t be more excited to see them on the roads. I’m grateful for the team at OMES who are working hard to deliver taxpayers more for their money while finding ambitious new ways to improve our fleet.”

Fleet Modernization Among Top Initiatives to Realize Efficiencies Across the State

Following the executive order, OMES Fleet Management has worked closely with agencies to identify underutilized vehicles, downsize the state’s overall fleet and explore ways to advance central fleet operations. In 2023 alone, agencies have voluntarily turned in a total of 917 vehicles that have been auctioned through State Surplus, saving Oklahoma taxpayers an estimated $11.7 million.

“I am proud of the savings and asset reductions we’ve made so far in our fleet effort,” said John Suter, state chief operating officer and OMES executive director. “This progress positions us well to reinvest that money into future-focused, cost-effective vehicle options that better align with our goals.”

While pushing hard to reduce waste, executive leaders have also sought ways to modernize vehicles within the fleet to drive better value and long-term returns on investment. One of these modernizations includes replacing outdated vehicles that are costly to maintain with environmentally friendly electric vehicles made right here in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's Ongoing State Fleet Modernization Initiative

The fleet modernization initiative has three primary objectives:

• Place all state agencies onto a central fleet management system by the end of calendar year 2023
• Implement geo-tracking technology on all vehicles
• Identify underutilized vehicles and reduce the statewide fleet

On July 21, 2023, the state reported that, at the time, agencies had turned in a total of 572 underutilized vehicles, saving Oklahoma taxpayers an estimated $5.15 million. The state also reported that 3,200 out of 10,500 vehicles statewide were installed with Geotab trackers.

The State of Oklahoma has 10,800 vehicles in its fleet. An annual evaluation of state assets determined that 7,955 vehicles are driven less than 12,000 miles per year and are considered underutilized. 

The LDVs delivered to Oklahoma are the first commercial motor vehicles built in-state since 2006 and the first to come out of Canoo’s new assembly facility in Oklahoma City. The company also has a battery module manufacturing plant in Pryor, Oklahoma. 

As the three Canoo LDVs are integrated into the government fleet pool, state leaders will continue to evaluate how the vehicles can best support agency missions and citizen services going forward.