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2017 National Drive Electric Week Photo of an Electric Car Charging

2017 National Drive Electric Week

Celebrating plug-in vehicles and the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.

| Bill Toth, Director, Office of Fleet Management
Post filed in: Federal Acquisition Service  |  GSA Fleet  |  Innovation

Welcome to National Drive Electric Week 2017! GSA recognizes that emerging technologies play a significant role in our mission to save taxpayer dollars, create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the United States; which is one reason we provide the federal fleet with vehicles that offer the latest and most efficient transportation technologies available, including electric vehicle (EV) technology.

Since 2011, more than 1000 EVs have been added to the federal fleet and we are working to integrate additional ones when and where they meet the needs of the acquiring agency.

GSA Fleet works continuously with the original equipment manufacturers in order to offer vehicles with the latest commercially available technology and solutions to federal agencies. Our open solicitations for emerging technology make it possible for federal agencies to purchase or lease new, advanced technology vehicles as soon as they become commercially available.

In recent years, interest in plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) has changed significantly. According to a study conducted by Argonne National Laboratory, PEV sales across the United States increased by 40 percent in 2016. The commercial market for PEVs has changed with the introduction of long range all-electric models like the Chevy Bolt (with an EPA estimated range of 238 miles) and new vehicle classes, such as the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan.  

Federal agencies are also taking an interest in electric vehicles. In addition to electric cargo vans, in Fiscal Year 2017, GSA offered three all-electric sedans, four plug-in hybrid electric sedans, and one plug-in electric hybrid minivan through GSA Schedules. As well, the first hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle recently became available on Schedule. Several other electric models are planned for release by 2020, including SUVs and light trucks. This is just the beginning of the federal government’s electrification efforts to diversify our fleet offering. For more information, please contact gsafleetafvteam@gsa.gov.