On Oct. 3, Redmond City Council and city staff celebrated the accomplishments of moving to more alternative fuel vehicles within the city’s fleet. A new vehicle showcase and ceremony took place in front of City Hall. The recent addition of four electric vehicles, including two plug-in hybrid Ford Fusions and fully-electric Nissan Leafs, will replace older fleet vehicles.

“The addition of the new electric vehicles further emphasizes the commitment we have to creating a more sustainable environment,” said Council President Hank Margeson. “We believe it is important to continue to do our part to help reduce the City of Redmond’s carbon footprint.”

The city purchased its first hybrid, a Toyota Prius, in 2005. Since then, 28 more hybrids have replaced older sedans. While hybrids continue to be an important part of greening the city’s fleet, a more intense effort is being made to add propane and electric vehicles into the mix, reads a press release. Ten trucks and vans have been converted to a propane autogas bi-fuel system. In less than a year, this displaced 4,447 gallons of gas, resulting in the reduction of 14,886 pounds of CO2 emissions. Additionally, because propane is less expensive than unleaded gasoline, this also saved $8,954 in fuel costs. The continued effort to green the city fleet helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the city’s operational carbon footprint and provides fuel cost savings.

In June 2017, Redmond received the Annual Best Achievement in Propane Autogas award from the Western Washington Clean Cities.