Michigan is making strides toward converting the state's light-duty vehicles to zero-emission vehicles.

Geotab and fleet management company Wheels have partnered to provide telematics solutions to the state and advance Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive directive to decarbonize its fleet by starting the conversion of state-owned vehicles to zero-emission vehicles by 2040.

The state fleet will use the following reports to facilitate the transition:

Fleet Benchmarking & Vehicle Utilization Assessment: The state will receive benchmarking insights on vehicle utilization and fuel efficiency, enabling the identification of areas for improvement.

EV Suitability Assessment Report: The driving patterns of the state's fleet will be analyzed to determine the most suitable vehicles for electrification, supported by a business case focused on return on investment.

Charging Infrastructure Assessment Report: A detailed plan for charging infrastructure will use predictive analytics and geospatial analysis to determine the number and location of charging stations needed.

CO2 Emissions Report: Geotab uses engine-based fuel economy data to calculate the estimated CO2 emissions from fleet activity.

Telematics can provide operational advantages such as fuel management and engine diagnostics. The latter can detect maintenance needs early, reducing vehicle downtime and allowing more time to support the community. 

What's in Michigan's Clean Energy Legislation? 

Michigan has committed to powering itself with 100% clean energy by 2025 and having all state-owned buildings be carbon neutral by 2040.

Conversion of the state fleet includes establishing policies to promote the immediate use of zero-emission vehicles in the state's fleet and achieve the following minimum targets:

• Conversion of light-duty vehicles in the state fleet to ZEVs by 2033.

• Conversion of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the state fleet to ZEVs by 2040. 

The conversion will prioritize the transition of fleet vehicles that travel the most miles and fleet vehicles in Justice40 communities and high-density areas that have been historically disadvantaged by higher pollution levels. 

Michigan Governor Allocates Millions Toward EV Future

In February of 2023, Governor Whitmer announced the fiscal year 2024 budget. With a $79 billion budget, a portion will be allocated to improving the electric vehicle infrastructure for the public, the Michigan Clean Fleet Initiative, and transitioning the state's fleet to EVs. 

"State departments and agencies must take all necessary steps to implement this directive, including through the allocation of available funding and other resources in a manner consistent with applicable law," Whitmer stated.