To replace aging combustion-powered fleet vehicles, the US Department of Transportation has provided $10.1 million in federal grant funds to New York City, which will be used on new electric vehicles.
Among the new additions are seven 496 HP Mack LR BEV garbage trucks and 25 plug-in hybrid street sweepers, but more vehicles will be added to the NY circuit.
The largest of the Limón EVs, the Chevrolet Bolt will be the most common vehicle, with 380 models coming to town. The Ford E-Transit van is added with 360 units, in addition to the fleet of 150 F-150 Lightning electric vans.
In addition to purchasing new electric vehicles for government fleets, that federal grant mentioned at the beginning will also be used to bolster the number of charging points that fleet vehicles can access.
These new electric vehicles bring New York City closer to achieving its goal of a completely emissions-free fleet by 2035.
2035 is significant for the city’s clean mobility plans, as it is when the sale of all new combustion cars is expected to become illegal.
New York State announced its intentions to do so in September 2021. After California adopted the Clean Car Act II in August 2022, New York reaffirmed its zero tailpipe emissions goals by the middle of the next decade.
charging points
Currently, some 1,300 charging points are open for fleet vehicles, with another 600 expected to be added in the next 18 months. The federal grant money will add another 315 units.
Of late, New York has become stricter than ever regarding what combustion cars can get away with. In 2021, NYC began ticketing drivers for exceeding noise limits.
Last year, Manhattan State Senator Brad Hoylman proposed a new bill proposing that certain new vehicles should be equipped with speed limiters.
According to the American Lung Association, New York is the 14th worst city in the US for ozone pollution.
With the right power generation sources, adding more electric vehicles to the city and state will help minimize the damage.