Michigan State University (MSU) announced it is converting 369 of its internal combustion engine vehicles in its fleet to full electric vehicles (EVs) over the next decade.

To kickstart the transition, MSU purchased 40 new electric vehicles — a mix of sedans, minivans, and light-duty pickup trucks — that are set to arrive this summer. The university is adding to its electrical charging grid to support the new vehicles through Consumers Energy's PowerMIFleet program. The program is designed to help fleet owners and operators reduce operating costs, eliminate emissions, and simplify vehicle maintenance by transitioning to electric vehicles.

MSU also is investing in two DC fast chargers for public use, which will be available on its campus this fall.

In a press release, MSU said that as EVs and chargers become more mainstream, the university will continue reevaluating the total cost of ownership and convert additional university vehicles, up to the 1,100 it owns. The institution hopes to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from its 2010 baseline. MSU reported that the conversion will decrease the university’s overall carbon footprint by 18,945 metric tons of carbon dioxide long-term — the equivalent of planting 312,584 trees.