The State of Vermont has begun a plug-in hybrid pilot program. The State purchased a Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and plans to operate it in the Department of Buildings & General Services Fleet Management Services (FMS) motor pool program.

The State said it intends to collect real-time data on fuel consumption, tailpipe emission reductions, and overall vehicle performance as a first step in incorporating electric vehicle and charging infrastructure into the State’s fleet.

The State noted there are already close to 250 electric vehicles registered in Vermont and 18 operational publicly accessible charging stations. Seven more charging stations are slated to become operational in the next six months, according to the State, and several more installations are planned.

Vermont’s Governor Peter Shumlin announced the pilot and drove the vehicle at a Drive Electric Vermont event.