SEATTLE - The City of Seattle plans to purchase 35 Nissan Leafs for the City fleet by 2012 to replace gas-powered sedans, and it took delivery of seven vehicles this month. Seattle is also installing 22 public charging stations throughout the City.

"This is part of the Green Fleet Action Plan adopted in 2003," said Mayor Mike McGinn during a ceremony celebrating the rollout. "The long term goal for the fleet is to be 100 percent green and clean for the sedans."

In the last three years, the City has reduced the size of its rolling stock fleet by about 400 vehicles down to approximately 4,225. There are currently 686 compact sedans in the City's fleet. Most are assigned to City departments for conducting City business.

"Of the first seven Leafs, one will be used by the Seattle Police Department Parking Enforcement Program, and the remaining six will be placed in the City's centralized motor pool program," said Chris Wiley, green fleet coordinator for the City and the architect behind the project. "The Fleet Services Division will be conducting a 'Fleet Rodeo' early next month. At the Fleet Rodeo, City operators will learn about how the new Leaf works and also get the opportunity to take a test drive."

Of the 35 Leafs, 26 will be part of the City's motor pool, which has about 70 vehicles including Segways and bicycles. To date, approximately 40 percent Seattle's total fleet is "green."

The City is paying just under sticker price for the Leafs and predicts $2,500 in maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle. According to the mayor, the cost of owning and operating the Leaf is $1.92 per 100 miles in comparison to $15 for the average gas-powered car. "It's going to cost us $4,000 less over the 10-year lifespan of the vehicle to own and operate the Nissan Leaf. That's all costs -- purchase, maintenance, and fuel costs," McGinn said.

A cost/emission comparison of the City's small sedan fleet can be found here.

Seattle is one of a handful of cities participating in the nation's largest electric vehicle demonstration, the EV Project. With the help of millions in federal stimulus dollars, the City of Seattle is collaborating with Puget Sound local governments, businesses, non-profits, and electric vehicle enthusiasts, to create a robust regional charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, according to a release from the City.

With a federal grant to the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition, Seattle is installing 22 public charging stations in five locations around the City. To date, City Light has permitted 256 charging stations in its service area and estimates there will eventually be 1,000 charging stations in its service area.

Seattle was named the No. 1 Government Green Fleet in 2010.

To see a video of the Mayor McGinn's introduction of the Leafs, click here.

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