As the City of Redmond works towards its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Public Works Fleet Division plays an important role in managing the transition of the City’s fleet from conventionally fueled (gasoline and diesel) vehicles to clean alternatives like electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The City’s fleet of clean vehicles currently includes:
- 6 fully electric vehicles + 3 fully electric small park maintenance vehicles
- 6 plug-in hybrid vehicles
- 43 hybrid (gas and electric) vehicles
- 3 propane assets (forklift, parks sweeper, parks mower)
- 37 bi-fuel (propane with gasoline in reserve) vehicles
Moving forward, the Fleet Division is ramping up the greening of Redmond’s fleet by rolling out more clean, alternative fuel vehicles to replace existing vehicles at the end of their useful life. The City is also installing chargers to accommodate 22 new electric vehicles, making additional propane conversions for medium duty trucks, and pursuing the use of renewable diesel fuel for medium and heavy-duty vehicles to further reduce emissions from the City’s fleet.
Defining Alternative Fuel Vehicles
- Electric vehicles (EVs) rely on a battery instead of a gasoline tank, and an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. EVs produce no tailpipe emissions.
- Plug-In hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. PHEVs generally have larger battery packs than hybrid electric vehicles. This makes it possible to drive moderate distances using just electricity (about 15 to 60-plus miles in current models).
- Hybrid (gas and electric) vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with an electric motor and battery.
- Other alternative fuel vehicles are internal combustion engine vehicles fueled by propane, natural gas, or other less polluting resources when compared to conventional diesel or gasoline.
