Developed with alternative fuel fleet specialist Vision Fleet, the ‘Freedom Fleet’ is estimated to save $1,600 per year, per vehicle compared to the vehicles being replaced, and the first 100 will be deployed by the end of 2014.

It will also downsize the municipal fleet of non-police pursuit sedans by 100, with total savings of $8.7m over ten years.

‘America’s dependence on oil ties our national and economic security to a highly unpredictable, cartel-influenced global oil market,’ said Ballard. ‘Diversifying the types of vehicles and fuels available to our drivers offers our city protection from often-volitile oil prices and better prepares us for the future.’

To support the initiative, Vision Fleet developed a bespoke pricing structure which bundles purchase, fuelling and maintenance costs into one payment which is fixed at a lower rate than a petrol vehicle. The company will also allow access to a suite of data analytics and support services aimed at reducing the running cost of the new additions.