Minnesota's Gov. Mark Dayton has signed into law a bill making it easier for the state's fleet manager to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles by allowing purchasing decisions based on total operating costs rather than initial cost.
by Staff
June 17, 2014
The legislation makes it easier for the State of Minnesota to purchase electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and neighborhood electric vehicles. The state's Dept. of Administration fleet has two plug-in hybrids. Photo courtesy of GM.
2 min to read
The legislation makes it easier for the State of Minnesota to purchase electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and neighborhood electric vehicles. The state's Dept. of Administration fleet has two plug-in hybrids. Photo courtesy of GM.
Minnesota's Gov. Mark Dayton has signed into law a bill making it easier for the state's fleet manager to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles by allowing purchasing decisions based on total operating costs rather than initial cost.
The new law, which was approved on May 18, goes into effect on Aug. 1. It removes state barriers to the higher purchase price of alt-fuel vehicles, said Paul Hanson, CAFM, director of fleet and surplus services for the Minnesota Department of Administration.
Ad Loading...
"We anticipate that with this legislation, we will first see an increase in the plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles," Hanson told Government Fleet. "As the fueling infrastructure grows, we may see the addition of some CNG vehicles."
About 94% of the state Dept. of Administration's 1,714 vehicles are "green" vehicles, consisting of 1,584 flex-fuel vehicles, 22 hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, and three electric vehicles.
The state contract currently includes the Ford Focus EV, the C-Max Energi, the Fusion Energi, and the Chevrolet Volt. The department purchases CNG vehicles from another contract. Hanson has asked the procurement division to add a broader selection of electric-and plug-in hybrid vehicles to the contract, and the division is currently working on doing so.
As part of his work on the bill, Hanson worked closely with the bill's sponsors — state Sen. John Hoffman and House Rep. Pat Garofalo. He also fielded questions in legislative hearing committees about the topic.
A new proclamation signed by President Trump imposes a 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles and key auto parts, citing national security concerns.
The municipality will deploy two W4 CC electric work trucks for trash and recycling can switch-outs, enhancing the efficiency of its waste management services.
When vehicles become harder to acquire, fleet managers must balance keeping vehicles on the road longer while managing the escalating operating costs of older vehicles.
Government vehicle sales continue to rise into 2024 with both car and truck/SUV sales climbing between January and February of 2024, according to Bobit/Government Fleet sales data released March 2.
Government Fleet asked the Big 3 how their operations have been in the weeks since the UAW strike ended, with new contracts ratified. Plus, automakers address concerns about vehicle delivery delays.
Details on the contract, a look at upgrades and an improved up-armoring process in the next generation heavy-duty armored SUVs, and how the Department of State landed on GM Defense's product.
