Identifying Greener Fleets/Personal Vehicles

Introduction

When looking to purchase new vehicles and/or expand or update your fleet, there are many options out there.  Reducing vehicle emissions and increasing your fuel economy helps the environment and your wallet. This webpage provides some resources to help you choose a safer and greener option.

Sustainability Considerations

• Tailpipe emissions
  • In 2018, 28% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions were from transportation. 
  • A major contributor to individual carbon footprints are the cars/vehicles we drive.
  • Tailpipe emissions also impact air quality and public health.
  • Electric vehicles (EVs) have no tailpipe emissions. Plug-in electric hybrids only produce tailpipe emissions when gasoline is being used as a fuel source. While charging the battery of a plug-in electric vehicle may increase pollution at the power plant, total emissions associated with driving these vehicles are still typically less than those for gasoline cars—particularly if the electricity is generated from renewable energy sources like wind. Estimate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with charging and driving an electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle where you live.
• Manufacturing impacts
  • Do you really need the new car/vehicle?  Consider alternative ways you could meet your transport needs, including via car sharing services, vehicle or bike rental, public transport, biking, etc.
  • Determine your vehicle function and size requirements.  Would a smaller vehicle meet your needs?
  • Explore used cars/vehicles. 
• How you drive and how well you maintain your car, van, or light truck will also reduce environmental impacts of your vehicle use. Reduce the emissions from your car/vehicle by minimizing your idling while driving.

Additional Resources

Learn more about SmartWay programs, here.

• Find the cleanest, most fuel efficient vehicle that meets your needs by searching for an EPA SmartWay Vehicle. The SmartWay program certifies the 20% lowest-emitting passenger vehicles each model year, based on greenhouse gas and smog ratings. 
• Check out low emitting light duty vehicles.
• Look for the SmartWay-designation to identify cleaner, greener options for commercial trucks and trailers. 
• Consider maintenance and fuel costs and available federal and/or local tax credits in addition to purchase or lease price.
• Check out EPA's Green Vehicle Guide.
• Find out how your vehicle scores on GREENERCARS Ratings.
• Explore information on:
  • All Electric Vehicles, including at California Air Resources Board (ARB), DriveClean.ca.gov
  • Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
  • Hybrid Vehicles
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV)
  • Fuel-efficient Vehicles
• Alleviate your range anxiety by checking out a map of all available electric vehicle charging stations in the U.S. today.
• Federal fleet managers can check out:
  • Department of Energy’s Sustainable Federal Fleets resources designed to help with  green vehicle and fuel decisions.
  • GSA's Alternative Fuel Vehicles website and Green Procurement Compilation (GPC) for information on purchasing Alternative Fuel Vehicles.
  • GSA's Blanket Purchase Agreement for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
  • EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) for transportation related products (which meet federal purchasing requirements for containing recycled content materials).