There are already 300 EVs on the municipal fleet and, with the latest deployment, half of New York City’s non-emergency vehicles will be electric. It’s claimed that this will reduce petrol consumption by around 2.5 million gallons per year, as well as halving its CO2 emissions by 2025.

Transportation accounts for a quarter of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, of which the municipal fleet makes up 4% of the total, and 13% of the government’s emissions. Cost savings in use are predicted to cover any price increase, and the City will also invest in charging infrastructure.

“A cleaner, greener fleet is yet another step toward our ambitious but necessary sustainability goals, including an 80% reduction in all emissions by 2050,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “By building the largest municipal electric vehicle fleet in the country – and potentially the world – New York City is continuing to lead by example.”