The Commonwealth of Massachusetts plans to study the feasibility of incorporating more electric vehicles into its fleet. Governor Charlie Baker on Jan. 13 signed Senate Bill 2505, which included this measure as well as an overall promotion of the sale and use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the commonwealth.

“We look forward to working with our state and municipal partners to find increased opportunities to integrate more electric and fuel efficient vehicles into their fleets to save taxpayer dollars and reduce emissions,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito in a statement.

The legislation calls for the Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on the opportunities for electrification of the state fleet, including the vehicles used by the regional transit authorities. The study is due to the Senate and House of Representatives by Oct. 1.

The bill also restricts and defines payments for electric vehicle charging and directs a study of ZEV use of high-occupancy vehicle lanes as well as a study of surcharges to offset the projected gas tax revenue loss from the purchase of ZEVs.

ZEV is defined as a battery-electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid vehicle, or fuel cell vehicle.

This story was updated 1/18/18 at 2pm. The final bill signed by the governor did not include a state mandate for EV purchases.