State Fleet Decarbonization Targets and Requirements
The Massachusetts state fleet is comprised of vehicle assets utilized by Executive Branch agencies, public higher education, and MBTA non-revenue operations. The overall state fleet totals over 6,800 light-duty vehicles, over 1,800 medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and over 780 other asset types such as utility vehicles. While the collective fleet is currently responsible for only 10% of total state government emissions, fleet decarbonization is necessary to meet emissions reduction targets and to lead by example for the broader transportation sector.
Executive Order 594 sets incremental vehicle electrification targets from 2025 through 2050 for the state fleet to transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2050. ZEVs include plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), battery-electric (BEV), and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Recognizing that many state fleet vehicles serve unique roles (such as 24/7 campus security, wheel chair accessibility, snow plowing and landscaping, etc.), and that electric equivalents to serve such roles may not be available in the immediate-term, these targets ramp-up significantly over time.
| 2025 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZEVs as % of Fleet | 5% | 20% | 75% | 100% |
Executive Order 594 requires that any new vehicles purchased or leased by state agencies must be a zero-emission vehicle. This ZEV acquisition requirement phases in over time, beginning with light duty vehicles and applying to higher gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) as follows:
- Vehicles ≤8,500 pounds GVWR starting in FY 2023
- Vehicles ≤14,000 pounds GVWR starting in FY 2025
- All vehicles, including those over 14,000 pounds GVWR starting in FY 2030
For more information on targets and requirements for the state fleet, please refer to the applicable guidelines on the EO594 webpage.
For information on state fleet progress towards these targets, see the LBE Progress Page (coming soon).
Besides helping the Commonwealth achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, electric vehicles offer a number of benefits:
- Fewer GHG Emissions - While the grid is not 100% powered by clean energy resources, fueling an EV with grid electricity still results in GHG emissions reductions. In the U.S., in order for a gas vehicle to achieve the same GHG emissions levels, it must reach 96 miles per gallon. (You can calculate GHG emissions of your EV compared to ICE vehicles using the Union of Concerned Scientist's EV Tool)
- Better Air Quality - Battery-electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions, eliminating harmful air pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
- Less Maintenance - With fewer moving parts, EVs tend to require less maintenance than gas- and diesel-powered equivalents.
- Lower Fuel Costs - While gasoline and electricity costs fluctuate regularly, EVs tend to be cheaper to refuel than their gas counterparts.
- Fun to Drive - Whether its their quick acceleration, the quieter ride, or the one-pedal driving option, you'll have a great time driving an EV!
Procuring ZEVs: Guidance and Resources for the State Fleet
Getting started
LBE has developed resources that can serve as an introduction for individuals or agencies looking into ZEVs for the first time:
- LBE Quick Guide: Electric Vehicles ⇒ This two-page 'quick guide' includes introductory information on electric vehicle types, incentives available for state entities, and procurement resources.
- EV Driver Quick Guide (Template) ⇒ This guide provides information to help first-time EV drivers understand the nuances of driving electric and can be customized to reflect an agency’s vehicle management policies.
How can state entities procure ZEVs for their fleets?
Public entities can acquire ZEVs using statewide contract VEH110: Light and Medium-Duty Vehicles. Categories 1, 2, and 3 (sedans, minivans, and SUVs) consist exclusively of battery-electric, plug-in battery hybrid, and fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. [Note: Executive Departments are required to use statewide contracts for their purchases of goods and services.]
Executive Branch agencies who acquire vehicles through the Office of Vehicle Management (OVM) also have the option to lease vehicles through the OVM Lease Program.
Where is there information about available and forthcoming ZEV models?
LBE, the Operational Services Division, and other entities have compiled information about ZEVs that are currently available on statewide contract, ZEVs that may be available on the broader market, and new models coming soon. Note that these documents may be updated on a semi-regular basis:
- Greening your Fleet with Statewide Contracts ⇒ This document provides a list and basic information on all battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid electric vehicles available on Massachusetts statewide contracts.
- Upcoming EV Models ⇒ This slide deck provides high-level information for a broad range of lighter-duty, upcoming zero-emission models. Note that not all may become available on statewide contracts.
- LBE EV Models Database ⇒ This spreadsheet provides detailed information for a broad range of available and upcoming zero-emission vehicle models across various classes and use cases.
- U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center - Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search ⇒ The AFDC has a searchable database for zero- and low-emission vehicles, searchable by vehicle type, manufacturer, and fuel/technology. Note that not all may be available on statewide contracts.
How do ZEV costs compare to traditional internal combustion (ICE) vehicles?
While ZEV models are increasingly approaching cost-parity with ICE vehicles, some may have a higher upfront cost. When accounting for the total cost of ownership (TCO), however, ZEVs are often more cost-effective in the long term. LBE has developed a calculator to help state entities compare the TCO of ZEVs on statewide contract with comparable ICE vehicles:
- LBE Electric Vehicle TCO Comparison Calculator ⇒ This calculator is intended to provide a comparison of zero-emission vehicle models currently offered on statewide contract VEH110 against various other conventional and alternative fuel models. After putting in basic information on costs of gasoline, electricity, and years of ownership, users can select two vehicles to compare total cost of ownership.
ZEV Grants and Incentive Programs
Making the Transition to EVs: Accessing Resources for Electric Vehicles & Charging Infrastructure ⇒ 2023 MASSBUYS Expo presentation by LBE provides an overview of funding programs available to public entities to support the purchase and deployment of electric vehicles and charging stations.
Below is a list of grants and funding sources that may help state entities with the procurement of ZEVs:
- MassEVIP Fleets ⇒ Administered by MassDEP, this rolling grant program supports Massachusetts cities, towns, state agencies, and public colleges and universities in acquiring BEVs and PHEVs for their fleets. BEVs are eligible for up to $7,500 while PHEVs are eligible for up to $5,000.
- MOR-EV Trucks and MOR-EV Medium/Heavy-Duty Rebates ⇒ Administered by DOER, the MOR-EV Program provides public fleet rebates for the purchase or lease of pickup trucks between 6,000-10,000 pounds GVWR, other Class 2b ZEVs between 8,501-10,000 pounds, and Class 3-8 ZEVs including trucks, vans, and buses over 10,000. Rebate amounts vary by GVWR, and additional funds may be available for ZEVs registered or operating in Environmental Justice communities.
- Federal Tax Credits for EVs ⇒ New ZEVs purchased for public fleets in 2023 or after may be eligible for federal Commercial Clean Vehicle tax credits of between $7,500-$40,000. Note that guidance on how public entities may take advantage of this tax credit is forthcoming.
Procuring EV Charging Stations for Fleet and Public Use
What are EV Charging Stations?
Also referred to as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), electric vehicle charging stations provide electricity for BEVs and PHEVs. Charging stations come in many different forms and offer a variety of additional functionality. LBE has developed guides that outline charging infrastructure and related considerations for siting, installation, and public use:
- LBE Quick Guide: EV Charging ⇒ This two-page 'quick guide' includes introductory information on electric vehicle types, incentives available for state entities, and procurement resources.
- Considerations to Inform EV Charging Station Decision-Making ⇒ This two-page resource is intended to better inform the initial decision-making process for all types of electric vehicle (EV) charging station installations at state facilities, including public, workplace, and fleet.
- Guidance for Publicly Accessible EV Charging Stations at State Facilities ⇒ This guidance document is intended to inform publicly accessible electric vehicle charging station installation at facilities that are subject to the requirements of Leading by Example Executive Order 594 but may be used to inform decision making at any state entity.
- Ask the Experts 9.22.21 EVs and EVSE ⇒ These slides, presented during Climate Week, September 2021, provide an overview of current and upcoming EV models, grants and funding resources, and links to helpful guidance documents and relevant statewide contracts.
How can state entities procure EVSE?
Public entities can procure EVSE using statewide contract VEH102: Advanced Vehicle Technology Equipment, Supplies and Services. This contract is for the acquisition of advanced vehicle and alternative transportation equipment, hardware, software, and services including, but not limited to: EV charging station equipment and services, idle reduction equipment, and after-market conversion technologies. [Note: Executive Departments are required to use statewide contracts for their purchases of goods and services.]
To assist state facilities with the procurement of EVSE, LBE has developed a template Scope of Services that can be used to solicit quotes from vendors:
- LBE Scope of Services for Fleet EV Charging ⇒ This document provides template language for partners to utilize when procuring EV charging stations, particularly those intended for fleet use.
What types of EVSE are available?
The Operational Services Division has developed a flyer outlining some of the services and technologies available on statewide contract. LBE has created a list of plug-in or portable EVSE, as well as non-networked stations that may be especially suitable for fleet charging purposes.
- VEH102 Technologies to Green Your Fleet ⇒ This two-pager developed by the Operational Services Division outlines services and technologies available on state contract VEH102 related to electric vehicle charging, as well as links to funding sources, contacts, and contract user guides.
- (Coming Soon) Non-Networked and Portable EVSE ⇒ This filterable list contains electric vehicle supply equipment that may come in non-networked and/or portable models. These types of charging equipment may be appropriate for sites where a networked data package may not be required, or where a portable station may be needed due to lease constraints or site-specific challenges associated with hardwired charging stations. This list is likely not comprehensive and DOER does not endorse any particular product or manufacturer.
EV Charging Station Grants and Incentives
Making the Transition to EVs: Accessing Resources for Electric Vehicles & Charging Infrastructure ⇒ 2023 MASSBUYS Expo presentation by LBE provides an overview of funding programs available to public entities to support the purchase and deployment of electric vehicles and charging stations.
Below is a list of grants and funding sources that may help state entities with the procurement of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE):
- LBE Fleet EVSE Deployment Grant ⇒ Administered by LBE, this grant program provides funding for up to 100% of the costs of EV charging station equipment, installation, pre-wiring, and several years of maintenance and data packages.
- MassEVIP Charging Station Grants ⇒ Administered by MassDEP, these grant programs support the acquisition of EV charging stations for fleets and workplaces (MassEVIP Workplace and Fleet Charging), and the general public (MassEVIP Public Access Charging).
- Utility Make-Ready Programs
- Eversource's EV Charging Station Program ⇒ administered by Eversource to conduct and cover the costs of infrastructure work needed for EV charging equipment installation.
- National Grid Electric Vehicle Charging Station Program ⇒ administered by National Grid to conduct and cover the costs of infrastructure work and associated EV charging equipment.
Green Fleet Committee
Established by the 2008 Green Communities Act, the Green Fleet Committee (GFC) is comprised of representatives from the Operational Services Division, the Office of Vehicle Management, the Department of Energy Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Executive Branch fleet.
Responsible for helping to identify and facilitate clean transportation solutions for the Executive Branch fleet, the GFC works with fleet managers to identify more efficient and alternative fuel options at the point of acquisition, educates agency partners on new and upcoming clean transportation technologies, and provides technical support and guidance.
Visit the Massachusetts Office of Vehicle Management website for more information, including:
- Electric vehicle lease program
- EV First Acquisition Policy
- Fleet Rightsizing Initiative
Clean Transportation Organizations and Programs
- OSD EPP Program: The Operational Service Division's Environmentally Preferable Products Program contains additional information about statewide contracts and resources to support purchases of alternative fuel vehicles and related equipment.
- Recharge Massachusetts: Funded by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Recharge MA supports and publicly recognizes organizations and corporations that take specific steps to encourage greater electric vehicle adoption, consistent with statewide clean energy goals.
- Drive Green: Managed by Green Energy Consumers Alliance, Drive Green is an electric vehicle discount program supports and educates consumers in transitioning to electric vehicles.
- Electrification Coalition: The Electrification Coalition develops and implements a broad set of strategies to facilitate widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Among the case studies, tools, and policy reports available on their website is the Dashboard for Rapid Vehicle Electrification, which allows users to upload simple fleet data into an Excel-based tool to analyze and assess best fit for EV deployment.
EV Charging Stations Map
Several private and public entities have developed interactive maps to help EV drivers find charging stations. Below is a short list of such tools that may be helpful to state agencies:
- U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center - Interactive, filterable map of alternative fuel stations. Can be filtered to show just EV charging stations in Massachusetts.
- ChargeHub - Searchable map, including information on which stations are available, busy, or offline.
- PlugShare - Detailed, filterable map that includes a trip planner and downloadable app.