Electric Vehicle (EV) and Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Initiatives

All solicitation documents that include the purchase of passenger automobiles issued under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Administration must assert the intention of the state to begin purchasing all-electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), neighborhood electric vehicles, and natural gas vehicles (NGVs). For this requirement to apply, vehicles must meet the state’s performance specifications and have a total life-cycle cost of ownership less than or comparable to that of gasoline-powered vehicles.

An EV is defined as a motor vehicle that can 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 that contains an internal combustion engine and uses a battery-powered electric motor to deliver power to the drive wheels. 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. An NGV is defined as motor vehicle that is capable of being propelled by natural gas, including compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas.

(Reference Minnesota Statutes 16C.138 and 169.011)