UVM’s commitment to energy conservation and climate action is driving ongoing efforts to green the University’s fleet.
Background
UVM has already taken several steps to decrease the use of petroleum-based fuels on campus. In 2009, UVM Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) replaced their 9 diesel buses with buses powered with compressed natural gas (CNG). In 2017 TPS acquired the fleet's first electric plug-in cars: an all-electric Mitsubishi MiEV for enforcement staff and an all-electric Nissan Leaf as an employee-pool car. UVM has an on-going effort to add electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles to the fleet and continues to right-size and downsize where possible.
In 2016, UVM TPS collaborated with Burlington Electric Department to install four dual-port level-2 electric vehicle charging stations across campus, and two level-1 stations in the Gutterson Garage. In 2019, UVM TPS has received grant funding and installed six additional dual-port level-2 EV charging stations on campus. Today, UVM has 10 dual-port L2 stations and 2 single port L1 stations on campus.
Procedure
When replacing or purchasing new vehicles, UVM’s fleet vehicle procurement procedure (PDF) aims to educate departments on more sustainable methods of transportation and the availability of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). The process shown below ensures that only AFVs and vehicles with high fuel economies will be considered for purchase.
Per the procedure, once a vehicle has been selected, approved, and purchased, the vehicle must be registered with Transportation and Parking Services and a University Vehicle decal must be picked up and applied.
Pre-Approved Replacement Fleet Vehicles (subject to change as data updates)
University of Vermont can take advantage of the State Fleet Contract and Climate Mayors EV Purchasing Collaborative to purchase vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles from Nissan, Ford, Hyundai, and Toyota.
| Vehicle Class | Best in Class Model | Combined Range/Fuel Economy | Best in Class Model | Combined Fuel Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo/Passenger Van | 2023 Lightning Electric Transit Cargo Van
2023 Ford E-Transit (AEV) | 108-200 miles of all-electric range | 26 MPG 25 MPG | |
| Mini Van | 82 MPGe, 32 all electric miles | 36 MPG (35 MPG with AWD) | ||
| SUV | 120 MPGe, 258 mile all-electric range 119 MPGe, 252 mile all- electric range 94 MPG, 42 all electric miles | 53 MPG 43 MPG | ||
| Pickup Truck | 2025 Rivian R1T (AEV) | 87 MPGe, 420 mile all-electric range 70 MPGe, 320 mile all-electric range 67 MPGe, 393 mile all-electric range | 37 MPG (25 MPG with AWD) | |
| Sedan | 2025 Hyundai Ioniq (AEV) 2023 Kia EV6 AWD (AEV) | 140 MPGe, 240-361 mile all-electric range 109 MPGe, 282 mile all-electric range 127 MPGe, 45 all electric miles | 57 MPG (54 MPG with AWD) |
UVM Fleet Electric Vehicle Incentives
| New! State of Vermont Electrify your Fleet Program The rebate amount for this program has been designated at up to $2,500, no more than 25% of the purchase price, for each ICE vehicle replaced or avoided. Fleet owners are eligible for up to 20 incentives over the life of the program. Electric fleet vehicles purchased prior to submitting an application are not eligible for reimbursement. Applications must be approved and grantees must sign a grant agreement before purchasing any vehicle receiving reimbursement through the Electrify Your Fleet program. |
Burlington Electric Department (BED) customers are eligible for a $2,300 rebate on the purchase or lease of a new qualifying all-electric vehicle (EV) or $2,000 rebate on a plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). BED is also offering customers an $1,300 rebate on the purchase of a used/pre-owned EV or PHEV. Vehicles must have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of less than $50,000 and be registered in Burlington, VT. For more information, including how to apply, see the BED Electric Vehicles website. BED also offers $200 discounts on electric bicycle purchases or conversions |
Green Mountain Power is offering electric car incentives, including $2,200 for a new all-electric vehicle, $1,000 for a new plug-in hybrid, or $1,500 for a used all electric car and $750 for a used plug-in hybrid electric car. Interested customers are encouraged to visit GMP's EV rebate page for additional details. GMP also offers $200 discounts on electric bicycle purchases or conversions. |
Federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit Businesses and tax-exempt organizations that buy a qualified commercial clean vehicle may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $40,000 under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 45W. The credit equals the lesser of:
The maximum credit is $7,500 for qualified vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) of under 14,000 pounds and $40,000 for all other vehicles. To determine if you vehicle was assembled in North America (and therefore eligable for this credit) use the AFDC VIN decoder. |
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentives
*For a more comprehensive list of Alternative Fuel Vehicles please see this list provided by the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Burlington Electric Department (BED) offers incentives totaling 75% of the installed cost of a workplace EV charging station up to a maximum of $2,000 per port. Contact Energy Services for more information or view the Rebate Form. |
Green Mountain Power customers are eligible for a $750 cash back incentive per port after ANY level 2 unit is installed. There is no limit on the number of ports or the brands. |
| Federal Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit Up to 30% the cost of refueling property (including electric charging) for a maximum credit of $100,000 |
Fleet Vehicle Procurement Procedure Requests
Departments purchasing vehicles must complete the Vehicle Request Form.
Definition
University Vehicle: A vehicle owned by the University used to service the University infrastructure on a daily basis as part of the normal job-related duties or to respond to campus emergencies. All University vehicles must be registered with Parking Services and display a valid UVM permit. All UVM permits must be removed and returned to Parking Services upon sale or disposal of the vehicle.