Kentucky State Vehicle Fleet Includes Hybrids, Other Flex-Fuel Models

By admin - Posted on April 23rd, 2007

April 20, 2007 -- FRANKFORT, Ky.— The Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet’s Division of Fleet Management continues to replace larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles traditionally included in the state motor pool with more energy efficient and environmentally friendly models, such as hybrid and flexible fuel vehicles.

The state’s motor vehicle fleet currently has 26 hybrid vehicles with three more on order. The vehicles include the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Insight. These vehicles replaced larger SUVs and trucks that had been primarily used by field staff in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC), which estimates that its average fuel cost has been reduced by 52 percent as a result of this hybrid technology.

In comparison to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, the above-listed hybrids also reduced harmful emissions from approximately 109,000 pounds to approximately 2,250 pounds for the same mileage according to the Division of Fleet Management.

In addition to the introduction of hybrid technology, another 1,237 flexible fuel vehicles are currently included in the state’s motor vehicle fleet. An additional 228 vehicles on order include sedans, trucks and cargo and passenger vans. These vehicles are designed to run on a mixture of unleaded gasoline and an alcohol fuel, either ethanol or methanol.

As aging vehicles are replaced in the state fleet, the division replaces larger vehicles with more energy efficient vehicles that still meet agency needs. Smaller, lighter automobiles and trucks require fewer materials to produce and decrease emissions.

“Replacing traditional fleet vehicles with smaller flex-fuel and hybrid vehicles is one of several energy efficiency initiatives of this administration,” said Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary John Farris. “The reduced fuel costs and environmental benefits of reduced emissions make this a win-win for Kentucky.”

Source: Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet

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