LANSING – Every vehicle in the state government’s fleet must be zero-emissions by 2040 after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order establishing the goal.
The order defines zero-emissions as “any vehicles that use a propulsion technology that does not produce greenhouse-gas emissions,” which leaves the door open to options beyond electric vehicles.
Whitmer has previously touted the siting of a “gigafactory” for a hydrogen fuel company in Michigan, and the state recently won federal funding for hydrogen-related development.
Light-duty vehicles will have a target data of 2033 for the transition and 2040 for medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
Whitmer’s office said the state has roughly 8,750 vehicles in its fleets, but just three are currently zero-emissions. The order also calls for building out charging infrastructure at state government facilities.
In a statement, Whitmer said the state is “leading by example” with the order.
“Getting this done will help drive demand of Michigan-made electric vehicles, lower gas and maintenance costs for the state since (zero-emissions vehicles) cost far less to fuel and maintain and reduce air and noise pollution in our communities,” Whitmer said.
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