New York City’s light-duty fleet purchases averaged 100 MPG in fiscal-year 2018, its Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) announced. This achievement is part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s NYC Clean Fleet Plan and nearly doubles the average fuel economy from vehicles purchased just three years ago.

“NYC Fleet employs sedans, SUVs, small pickups and mini-vans, the same vehicles and makes that most Americans drive daily,” said Keith Kerman, DCAS deputy commissioner and NYC chief fleet officer. “We are successfully employing hybrid and electric models, reducing fuel use and maintenance costs, and operating in every type of condition. We are moving forward on fuel economy, not backwards.” 

In FY-18, the city, through DCAS, has invested $36 million to purchase more than 1,000 alternative-fuel vehicles, including 581 plug-in electric or solar units. This includes 452 electric sedans, 51 mobile solar light towers, and its first two plug-in mini-vans.

DCAS achieved the 100 MPG mark through a combination of electric cars, hybrid SUVs, and small pickups. The vehicles purchased during FY-18 will reduce fossil fuel use by nearly 70% compared to traditional vehicles, according to the DCAS.

Recent clean fleet milestones include purchasing the city’s 1,700th electric and plug-in vehicle, beginning the use of renewable diesel, and installing 37 solar charging carports. The city fleet has 18,500 units that use some form of alternative fuel, including biodiesel, renewable diesel, electricity, and natural gas.

The NYC Clean Fleet initiative was announced by Mayor de Blasio in 2015. Under the plan, the city will cut municipal vehicle emissions in half by 2025 and 80% by 2035.