High Efficiency Vehicles for Fleets

Practical Solution

The “How To”

“Green Fleet” measures include switching fleets to fuel efficient or electric vehicles (EVs), as well as other ways to achieve energy savings and reduce environmental impacts. The following steps are recommended:

First, the fleet manager should collect data to measure the impact of their current fleet. This should include an inventory of vehicles (type, number) and type and amount of fuel they each use.

Second, once the performance of the fleet is known, realistic goals can be set. For example: Reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions by a certain percentage by a certain year.

Third, explore implementing the following measures to reach your goals:

• “Right Sizing” vehicle fleets by downsizing and eliminating vehicles
• Optimizing vehicle travel, operation, and maintenance
• Substituting other travel modes, or reducing the need to travel
• Purchasing fuel efficient, alternatively fueled, and electric vehicles. Information about the many incentives available for purchasing EVs and charging infrastructure can be found under the Dollars & Cents tab.

Finally, to implement your chosen measures, adopt a comprehensive fleet policy.

The Environmental Defense Fund offers a Fleet Electrification Solution Center, which provides a guide fleet managers can follow when electrifying their vehicles. In addition, the EPA provides ways for fleets to increase efficiency: 

• Employ a “right vehicle, right job” approach
• Encourage fleet scrapping and replacement with fuel efficient vehicles
• Partner with a private company to supplement fleet vehicles
• Eliminate unnecessary idling 

Planning & Zoning

St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis have begun converting their municipal fleets to zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs). In March 2021, Mayor Krewson signed Executive Order #68: Priority Procurement of Clean Municipal Vehicles to institutionalize the practice of purchasing clean vehicles for the municipal fleet. At the end of November 2022, St. Louis County unveiled its first municipal EV and pledged to convert 27% of its light-duty fleet to EVs by 2027. Estimates suggest each EV will save the county nearly $10,000 in fuel alone over its five-year lifetime. The City of St. Louis and St. Louis County will evaluate each gas-powered fleet vehicle and replace it with an EV when it reaches the end of its lifecycle.

Missouri Revised Statutes 414.407 describes the creation of a "Biodiesel Fuel Revolving Fund, into which shall be deposited moneys received from the sale of EPAct credits banked by state agencies on August 28, 2001, and in future reporting years, any moneys appropriated to the fund by the general assembly, and any other moneys obtained or accepted by the department for deposit into the fund...Moneys deposited into the fund shall be used to pay for the incremental cost of biodiesel fuel with a minimum biodiesel concentration of B-20 for use in state vehicles and for administration of the fund."

Dollars & Cents

Many incentives are available for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. Information about federal tax credits, incentives from utilities, and a complimentary fleet analysis can be found on the websites of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois. The Inflation Reduction Act allowed tax-exempt entities, such as public schools, Tribal, local, and state governments, and nonprofits to claim tax credits for EVs, charging infrastructure, and other clean energy technologies in the form of 'direct pay.' Lawyers for Good Government offers a Clean Energy Tax Navigator tool, which assists entities in using these tax credits for their potential, planned, or completed projects. Electric vehicles can also result in lower fuel and maintenance costs. St. Louis County anticipates that each EV will save the county nearly $10,000 in fuel alone over its five-year lifetime.

As an example of the cost savings that can be achieved through fleet efficiency, Ontario Canada implemented a fleet challenge program designed to help municipal fleet managers reduce emissions and operational costs by applying fleet management tools and techniques as described by their E3 (Energy Environment Excellence) fleet review and best practices manual. Participating municipalities saw varying cost-savings, but some of the most common are as follows:

• Converting vehicle fleets to clean burning or renewable fuels, and the use of high-efficiency vehicles like hybrids reduces emissions and can reduce costs.
• Thorough route planning and load-sharing can reduce fleet mileage.
• Downsizing and right-sizing the fleet to meet the true needs of the municipality.
• Manufacturer’s recommended vehicle maintenance is often easy and simple; it also improves fuel efficiency and reduces excess emissions.
• Reducing vehicle idling can reduce fuel consumption and thereby decrease emissions.
• Driver training can improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, prevent accidents and save on insurance costs.
• Relocation of staff and resources can allow for reduced vehicle use and costs.
• Encouraging travel by public transit, rather than by municipal vehicles, can reduce mileage and fuel usage. 

Case Studies

Arnold Missouri Green Fleet Policy

• Description

  Arnold, Missouri, implemented a green fleet policy to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions from its fleets. 

  Cost $0