King County purchases hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that increase fuel-efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These hybrid electric vehicles combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle, and attain twice the fuel economy of conventional vehicles. This combination offers the extended range and rapid refueling of a conventional vehicle, with a significant portion of the energy and environmental benefits of an electric vehicle. The practical benefits of HEVs include improved fuel economy and lower emissions compared to conventional vehicles.
King County has purchased hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to replace older model vehicles as they are retired, since 2001. Hybrids are fuel-efficient and contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions. The Fleet Administration Division of the King County Department of Transportation (DOT ) purchased the bulk of the 25 Toyota Prius hybrid cars for $525,000 and 15 Ford Escape hybrid SUVs for $360,000 in the past year. The Solid Waste Division purchased four of the Ford models. The county now maintains 175 hybrid vehicles and issues its own contracts, or uses State of Washington contracts for new purchases and is gaining experience with new models as they become available.
Bid and Contract Specifications
King County purchases most of it's vehicles, including alternative and flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) through contracts maintained by the State of Washington.
State of Washington contracts:
(Toyota Prius HEV, Ford Escape HEV, Dodge Durango FFV) #04905
- Vehicles, 2006 Hybrid, Alternative/Flexible Fuel
In 2006 King County produced two procurement documents for Toyota Prius's and Ford Escape hybrids. Following are links to the contracts, which includes specification.
King County EP Bulletin #100: Green Fleets
National Renewable Energy Lab - Hybrid Electric & Fuel Cell Vehicles
King County Clean Air Initiative
Center for a New American Dream
E-mail
Return to Environmental Purchasing Menu
Updated: May, 2007
King County
| News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County.