Carmel City Committee reviews fleet management strategy amid hybrid vehicle expansion

Carmel City Council members are pushing for a comprehensive review of the city’s vehicle fleet management, particularly focusing on the integration of hybrid and electric vehicles. During the Climate Action Advisory meeting on January 28, 2025, discussions highlighted the need for a centralized approach to vehicle purchasing and retrofitting, especially in light of potential federal grant changes that could impact future strategies.

Council members noted that while the city has made strides in acquiring hybrid vehicles since 2018, the current fleet still consists of only a few electric vehicles. One member suggested that the city should assess the financial benefits of expanding its hybrid fleet, particularly with the addition of new models like Ford Mavericks. “There may be a lot of savings that we could just post just going just to hybrids even if we don't have that many EVs or hydrogen vehicles,” they stated.

The conversation also touched on the management of the fleet, with each department currently overseeing its own vehicles. This decentralized approach may hinder the city’s ability to track fuel usage and overall efficiency effectively. Council members expressed interest in exploring a more unified fleet management system, similar to what the state has implemented.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to revisit this topic in six months to evaluate progress and gather more data. The emphasis remains on ensuring that the city’s vehicle strategy aligns with broader climate action goals while navigating the complexities of federal funding and vehicle lifecycle management.