All solicitation documents that include the purchase of passenger automobiles issued under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Administration after June 30, 2006, must assert the intention of the state to begin purchasing EVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) as soon as they become commercially available. The vehicles must first meet the state's performance specifications and be priced no more than 10% above the price for comparable gasoline-powered vehicles.
An EV is defined as a motor vehicle that is able to be powered by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other portable sources of electrical current, and meets or exceeds applicable requirements in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571, and future regulations.
A PHEV is defined as an EV containing an internal combustion engine that also allows power to be delivered to the drive wheels by a battery-powered electric motor. When connected to the electrical grid via an electrical outlet the vehicle must be able to recharge its battery. The vehicle must have the ability to travel at least 20 miles, powered substantially by electricity.
(Reference House File 1250, 2009, Minnesota Laws) 2006, Chapter 245, and Minnesota Statutes 169.011
State agencies are required to use alternative fuels, including B20-B100 biodiesel blends, compressed or liquefied natural gas, E70-E100 ethanol blends, hydrogen, or liquefied petroleum gas, to operate state motor vehicles if the clean fuels are reasonably available at comparable costs to conventional fuels and are compatible with the intended use of the motor vehicle. Additionally, state agencies are required to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, which include those capable of being powered by the fuels listed above or motor vehicles powered by electricity or by a combination of electricity and liquid fuel, if such a motor vehicle is reasonably available at comparable costs to other vehicles and if the vehicle is capable of carrying out the purpose for which it is purchased. (Reference Minnesota Statutes 16C.135)
State agencies are required to use alternative fuels, including B20-B100 biodiesel blends, compressed or liquefied natural gas, E70-E100 ethanol blends, hydrogen, or liquefied petroleum gas, to operate state motor vehicles if the clean fuels are reasonably available at comparable costs to conventional fuels and are compatible with the intended use of the motor vehicle. Additionally, state agencies are required to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, which include those capable of being powered by the fuels listed above or motor vehicles powered by electricity or by a combination of electricity and liquid fuel, if such a motor vehicle is reasonably available at comparable costs to other vehicles and if the vehicle is capable of carrying out the purpose for which it is purchased. (Reference Minnesota Statutes 16C.135)