New Analysis: Florida Taxpayers Could Save $277 Million Via a ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ Approach to Vehicle Procurement

A new joint report from Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition estimates up to $277 million in savings for Florida taxpayers when vehicles’ lifetime fuel and maintenance costs are considered.

Contact:
Noah Barnes, Electrification Coalition, nbarnes@electrificationcoalition.org
Josh Sweetin, Advanced Energy United, press@advancedenergyunited.org

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A new report from the Electrification Coalition and Advanced Energy United found the state of Florida could save $277 million by considering the total cost of ownership in vehicle procurement decisions, compared to the current practice of only considering the purchase price. The report, a joint effort between Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition with support from Atlas Public Policy, highlights the lower lifetime maintenance costs that ultimately make an electric fleet significantly more affordable for the state.

The report’s findings come as the Florida State Legislature considers revisions to the selection criteria for purchasing and leasing vehicles for the state fleet and for universities, community colleges and local governments that use state purchasing plans to procure vehicles. Among the report’s key findings are: 

  • Switching the 88% of the state fleet made up of light-duty vehicles like pickups, sedans, SUVs and vans to electric vehicles could save over $18,000 per vehicle on average over 15 years. 
  • Total savings from a full transition to electric vehicles would result in extrapolated savings of $277 million over that same period.
  • Electric vehicles are more cost effective in terms of maintenance and fuel expenses, providing net savings compared to equivalent internal combustion engine vehicles in the state fleet in as little as five years. 

“Florida can reduce overall operating costs by transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles,” said Electrification Coalition Senior Director of Policy Anne Blair. “That, combined with the national security and clean air benefits that EVs provide, make them a win-win for Florida.”

“Florida is already a top performer in electric vehicle adoption. This report shows that Florida’s state government can also become a national leader in the electric vehicle space by adopting a total cost of ownership model when procuring vehicles for its fleets,” said Advanced Energy United Policy Principal Michael Weiss. “These savings would not only be a boon to Florida’s state budget but also ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are spent in the most responsible way possible.”

To read the full report, visit https://electrificationcoalition.org/resource/saving-taxpayer-money-on-floridas-vehicle-fleet/.

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About the Electrification Coalition

The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes policies and actions to facilitate the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) on a mass scale to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges that stem from America’s dependence on oil. ElectrificationCoalition.org

About Advanced Energy United 

Advanced Energy United is a national industry association that represents the full range of advanced energy technologies and services, ranging from solar companies and electric vehicle manufacturers, to energy efficiency companies, transmission developers and more. We advocate for policies that allow our member companies to compete to repower our economy with 100% clean energy. We work with decision makers at every level of government as well as regulators of energy markets to achieve this goal. The businesses we represent are lowering consumer costs, creating millions of new jobs, and providing the full range of clean, efficient, and reliable energy and transportation solutions. Today, these businesses have a combined market capitalization in excess of $3 trillion. Together, we are united in our mission to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy in the United States. 

Amy Malaki

Amy Malaki is the Director of Partnerships and Policy at SkyNRG and SkyNRG Americas, pioneering global leaders in sustainable aviation fuel production and supply. Prior to SkyNRG, Amy was the Associate Director for the transportation portfolio at the ClimateWorks Foundation where she developed philanthropic investment strategies to advance a sustainable, equitable and low-carbon mobility system. She also pioneered the organization’s international aviation decarbonization strategy. Prior to that she focused on Asia business development at Better Place, a Silicon Valley electric vehicle network startup. She has a B.A. in Chinese and China studies from the University of Washington and an M.A. in international policy studies (energy and environment) from Stanford University.