Federal agencies are 60 percent short in meeting a 2023 target for using zero-emission vehicles, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
The watchdog reported that many federal officials weighing the purchase of zero-emission cars for their agencies say gasoline-powered vehicles are more “convenient.” A 2021 executive order from the Biden administration calls for all vehicles acquired by federal agencies to be ZEVs by 2035.
“The cost of [ZEVs] is generally higher for federal agencies than the cost of gas vehicles, largely due to higher acquisition and monthly lease payments. However, peer-reviewed studies GAO reviewed found that ZEVs offer environmental benefits and may offer reduced maintenance costs,” the audit said.
Most vehicles in federal fleets are leased through the General Services Administration and regularly replaced. Zero-emission vehicles are largely electric or hybrid models.
