Vehicles

All motor vehicles purchased for use in state government are acquired through the Division of Purchases. Three major fleet groups exist, Central Fleet Management (CFM) (covering most state agency needs), Department of Transportation and Public Safety. All orders are reviewed for compliance or exception to statutory fuel efficiency requirements and approved by the Director. The current statutory standard of 45 miles per gallon for cars and 35 miles per gallon for light trucks is very difficult to meet. The current standard for trucks can only be met in model year 2002 by a two-wheel drive Ford Ranger powered by electricity. The passenger car fleet has a few more choices:

• Toyota Prius, compact, hybrid
• Honda Insight, subcompact 2 seater, hybrid
• VW Beetle, subcompact, diesel, manual transmission
• VW Jetta, compact, diesel
• VW Jetta Wagon, compact, diesel

Maine State Government has been aggressive in its efforts to acquire fuel efficient vehicles. CFM partnered with DEP to acquire converted propane vehicles in the mid 1990's and continues to explore bi fuel, propane and compressed natural gas options. CFM and DEP sponsored the first public access propane vehicle fueling station in Maine . CFM was able to purchase the first Honda Insight (hybrid technology two seater) issued to a government agency in the United States (February of 2000). Subsequently, Maine was able to acquire a Toyota Prius, the first four-passenger hybrid available in America .

Maine continues to expand its fleet of hybrid automobiles to a current number of 12. Agencies have been receptive to these vehicles, although the higher cost of acquisition is not offset by the higher fuel mileage.

All three fleets are managing for fuel economy and efficient operations. Low Emission Vehicles are specified for new passenger/light truck vehicles and in some cases the high Ultra Low Emission standards are required.

Total Fleet Average MPG by FY

CFM operates the largest fleet of passenger and light truck type vehicles. The overall fleet mileage is captured annually and improvements tracked. CFM's fleet includes large postal vehicles, ¾ ton pickups with plows, multipurpose vans, large passenger vans, utility trucks, security vehicles to move clients/prisoners, as well as the more standard passenger vehicles.

The actual current miles per gallon for 4 door compact sedans purchased in 2001 and 2002 averages 34.26 per gallon. This is an improvement of over 4 ½ miles per gallon over year 2000 and prior models.

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