Right-size/down-size the city fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions.
Best Practice of this action
Rating Guideline
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Survey each fleet vehicle by type, MPG and use; implement at least one right-size or down-size improvement (for example, use of a sedan instead of a pick-up truck for inspection work, introduce a hybrid police interceptor, use of a full electric utility vehicle in parks/public works, or one multi-purpose vehicle instead of two vehicles). |
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Adopt a vehicle purchasing policy/practice; right-size all vehicles in one portion of the city's fleet (for example, police, fire, public works, inspections) and report any vehicle reductions and improvement in the fleet's average MPG. |
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Right-size all vehicles in the city's fleet and report vehicle reductions and improvement in the fleet's average MPG. |
Resources
- See, for example, the City of Minneapolis green fleet policy and a 2-page overview of green fleet action steps.
- Right-sizing might, for example, include purchase through Minnesota's Cooperative Purchasing Venture of neighborhood electric utility vehicles (NEVs) built by E-Ride in Princeton, MN. NEVs are battery electric vehicles with a top speed of 25 MPH and which can be driven on public roads.
- The State of MN advises purchasing/leasing vehicles with a GHG rating of 7 or higher. See the 2021 Fuel Economy Guide for current ratings.
- Use the Consumer Reports guides to the Best & Worst Fuel Economy for Cars, SUVs, and Trucks.
- The U.S. Dept. of Energy's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center has cost calculators and other tools. See also best management practice resources for fuel economy, alternative fuels and vehicles.
- Resources and background on emergency response and narrower street design, rethinking the size of fire trucks, and the latest data on saving lives by means of evidence-based good street design.
Order Number
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