West Coast Governments Join Forces for Major Expansion of Electric Fleets

by | Nov 3, 2016 | Press Release, Transportation

Regional expansion of ZEVs gains recognition from White House

 SACRAMENTO (November 3, 2016) — Today, fleets from Washington, Oregon and California were recognized by the White House for their leadership in accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).  The commitments were widely embraced as a way to accelerate a low-carbon economy and infrastructure throughout the Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC). In tandem, West Coast Electric Fleets, a joint initiative of the PCC, announced the launch of a new partnership tier that recognizes the increasingly ambitious commitments made by partner fleets: the Diamond Lane. This new partnership tier is for fleets making the highest level of commitment, with ZEVs comprising more than 10 percent of their fleet procurement.

“Under the leadership of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., California is leading by example to increase our government fleet of zero emission vehicles to reduce carbon emissions at the state level,” said California Department of General Services Director Daniel C. Kim. “We’re also accelerating installation of electric vehicle charging stations across both the public and private sector.”

“We won’t defeat climate change unless we use all of the tools we have available – and that includes what we buy in the market place for our daily use. All institutions need to focus their procurement policies and practices on low-carbon options because these investments will save money, protect public health, and secure our long-term future,” said Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, noting that increasing ZEV use in state government is one important step Washington can take to reduce carbon pollution.

Pacific Coast states, cities, and businesses made the following commitments to scale up ZEV adoption in their fleets:

California

  • State of California – committed to 50% of annual light-duty fleet purchases being ZEVs by 2025
  • City of Los Angeles – committed to 80% ZEVs for all light-duty vehicle purchases by 2025
  • Antelope Valley Transit Authority – 100% of new transit vehicle purchases are ZEVs

Oregon

  • City of Portland – committed to 30% ZEVs for all sedan-class procurements by 2030

Washington

  • Washington State Agency Fleets —committed to 20 percent ZEVs for all passenger vehicle procurements by 2017
  • City of Seattle – committed to 40% ZEV for the light duty fleet by 2017 and a target of 100% by 2023

British Columbia:

  • Geazone, a Victoria-based zero emissions courier business – 100% electric vehicle fleet
  • On Sight Equipment, a provider of environmentally sustainable outdoors and travel products – committed to a 100% electric vehicle fleet
  • ElectraMeccanica, a manufacturer of electric commuter vehicles – committed to a 100% electric vehicle fleet
  • Greener Print, a Vancouver-based provider of sustainable printing and design services – committed to 100% of fleet purchases being electric
  • ELIX Wireless Charging Systems, a Vancouver-based provider of innovative wireless charging technologies – committed to 75% ZEVs for all vehicle procurement

West Coast Electric Fleets serves as a peer network, helping fleet managers and owners meet their ambitious goals for fleet electrification by sharing best practices for their adoption. These commitments comes as part of each state’s region-wide clean energy agreements to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the Pacific Coast Collaborative.

Press Contact: Brian Ferguson, Deputy Director, California Department of General Services Executive Office – Office of Public Affairs. Phone: (916)-376-5038; Email: brian.ferguson@dgs.ca.gov

West Coast Electric Fleets is an initiative of the Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC), a joint initiative of California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia to accelerate a vibrant, low-carbon economy on the West Coast. West Coast Electric Fleets helps “demystify” zero emissions vehicles by deploying tools and resources for public and private fleet managers to quickly and accurately access incentives and resources to assist with procurement. www.westcoastelectricfleets.com