Said to be one of the largest deployments of plug-ins on a municipal fleet in the United States, the fleet will include the Nissan LEAF, Chevrolet Volt and Ford Fusion Energi, distributed through all departments based on their specific needs.

The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability partnered with plug-in fleet specialist Vision Fleet, developing a financing structure which includes purchase, fuel and maintenance costs for a rate lower than a conventional vehicle.

Vision Fleet will also use its data analytics and operational support services to guarantee the technology is deployed effectively.

Mayor Kasim Reed said: “Replacing our current cars with clean-fueled vehicles, powered by cutting-edge technology, is a historic step for the City of Atlanta. The program is yet another example of how we are fully invested in making Atlanta a healthier and more prosperous city.”

Vision Fleet CEO, Michael Brylawski, added: “This project will have enormous impacts on fuel consumption and fleet service costs. For example, each of the 50 electric vehicles deployed will save at least 550-600 gallons of gas annually.

“In addition, fuel costs for the new electric vehicles will be about one-third of the old gas vehicles costs, and maintenance will be reduced by approximately 40 percent.”