uvm electric car called the Leaf

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. 

PDF icon Fleet Procurement Procedure (PDF)

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
(Alternative Fuel*)

 Combined Range/Fuel Economy

Best in Class Model
(Gasoline)

Combined Fuel Economy

 

Cargo/Passenger

Van             

2023 Lightning Electric Transit Cargo Van

 

2023 Ford E-Transit

108-200 miles of all-electric range

2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

2023 Transit Connect Van

 

 26 MPG

 25 MPG

Mini Van

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
(Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle)

 30 MPG, 82 MPGe 

 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid 

 36 MPG

 (35 MPG with   AWD)

SUV

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
(Battery Electric Vehicle) FWD

 

2023 Subaru Solterra (Battery Electric Vehicle) AWD

120 MPGe, 258 mile all-electric range 

104 MPGe, 228 mile all- electric range

 2023 Kia Sportage

 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid

 43 MPG

 41 MPG

Pickup  Truck

2023 Rivian R1T

2023 Ford F-150 Lightning

73 MPGe, 328 mile all-electric range

68 MPGe, 240 mile all-electric range

2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid

 37 MPG

 (25 MPG with AWD)

 Sedan

2023 Chevrolet Bolt
(Battery Electric Vehicle) FWD

2023 Kia EV6 AWD

120 MPGe, 259 mile all-electric range

109 MPGe, 282 mile all-electric range

 2023 Toyota Prius 

 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.
 

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:

  • 15% of your basis in the vehicle (30% if the vehicle is not powered by gas or diesel)
  • The incremental cost of the vehicle

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.