EVs are making inroads in government circles. The New York City administration has announced it is replacing about 925 internal combustion engine vehicles in the government fleet with almost 1,000 electric vehicles. It will also install 315 new EV charges in the city. Both expenditures will be funded by federal grants. This is in addition to the $420 million approved for EVs and supporting infrastructure at the end of 2021.
The city is getting the money through the federal US Department of Transportation’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. Out of a total of $10.1 million received, New York City’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will get $6.2 million. The rest will go to the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY).
The mayor, Eric Adams, will use the funds to build on its existing efforts to meet the New York City Clean Fleet Plan ahead of schedule. The plan is to run an all-electric light and medium-duty fleet by 2035.
With this new federal funding, New York City will acquire 382 Chevrolet Bolts, 360 Ford E-Transit vans, and 150 Ford F-150 E-Lightning pick-up trucks. The sanitation department will also get 25 plug-in hybrid street sweepers.
New York City has already reached its goal of swapping out 4,000 ICEs for EVs, three years ahead of schedule. Its police department spent $12.36 million on 250 Tesla Model 3 for its cruiser fleet. Some of the patrol cars were on display at last year’s New York International Auto Show.
