Committee schedules fleet deep dive after members raise EV utilization and leasing concerns
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Summary
Legislators asked whether the state’s 75% mandate for new electric or hybrid vehicles aligns with rural use and winter conditions; staff said mileage and telematics data exist and agreed to a post‑town‑meeting session with the fleet manager to examine utilization and leasing practices.
Montpelier — Committee members on Feb. 20 flagged questions about the state fleet’s electric vehicle mandate and whether utilization patterns support the current target for new vehicle purchases.
"We've mandated 75% of the new vehicles are electric or hybrid," one legislator said, asking whether that target fits rural driving and winter roads. Members noted EV adoption is higher in urban areas and suggested utilization and telematics data are needed to determine whether the 75% target is appropriate or should be adjusted.
Emily Kosicki said some vehicles are leased directly by agencies outside the motor pool and that BGS can use mileage records and telematics analyses to examine utilization. She offered to bring the fleet manager, Stacy, to a dedicated session after town meeting to present VIN‑level utilization, lease arrangements, and maintenance workflows; she confirmed routine vehicle maintenance is handled through partnerships with outside garages.
The committee agreed to schedule the deeper review after the town meeting break so members can study utilization data before considering policy or mandate changes.