From purchasing electric vehicles to building out the necessary infrastructure, government fleets are driving the transition toward sustainable transportation by adopting innovative technologies, optimizing fleet management strategies, and setting a precedent for decarbonizing public sector operations.

See what recent changes have been taking place with fleets with this quick roundup of fleet electrification news. 

Santa Barbara County Receives $4.7 Million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant

Santa Barbara County, California, has received a proposed grant award of $4.7 million from the California Energy Commission to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This was the second highest recommended grant award given.

This grant requires a $2.3 million match from the County in staff time and capital investment.

Miami-Dade County awarded over $4.7 million by U.S. Department of Transportation for Equitable EV charging infrastructure

Miami-Dade County is a recipient of $4,760,788 to expand community electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the county to support current and projected electric vehicle adoption. 

The project will provide for the installation of 390 charging ports at 73 community facilities, including libraries, parks, transit hubs, cultural arts facilities, community resource centers, public safety facilities, and college campuses. In addition, the project will add chargers at all eight campuses of Miami Dade College.

Grant funds will also be used to purchase four solar charging units to be located at Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue locations for use following a disaster. The solar charging units include battery storage allowing their use during power outages. 

Washington City Installing Level 2 EV Charging Stations

The city of Tumwater, Washington, will be adding 10 chargers for $89,458, which includes the installation of one Level 2 Electric Vehicle charging station at city hall, the police department, two fire stations, and Old Town Center.  

The chargers will not be intended for public use. 

Total project costs are estimated at $122,181. The city plans to use multiple grants, incentives, and budgeted city funds to cover the total project cost. The contract will be completed by SARE electric. The remaining total cost will be for the equipment, which will be purchased separately. 

The city has been awarded a $78,000 grant that will go towards this project, as well as anticipated Puget Sound Energy’s Up & Go Electric for Fleet incentives in the amount of $40,000. This project is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act.