Reps. Kent Smith, Weinstein announce electric vehicle fleet bill on Earth Day

COLUMBUS—State Reps. Kent Smith (D-Euclid) and Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) announced today, Earth Day, that they plan to introduce legislation to gradually transition Ohio's state fleet to 100% electric vehicles by Jan. 1, 2030.  

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the State owns 12,405 vehicles. This legislation would require 25% of newly acquired state vehicles to be electric by Jan. 1, 2025, and 50% of new vehicles must be electric by Jan. 1, 2030. After Jan. 1, 2030, all vehicles purchased by the State of Ohio will need to be electric. 

“This legislation makes Ohio better and keeps Ohio economically vibrant. It is crystal clear that the auto industry is changing, and if Ohio doesn’t change with it, we will lose out on the benefits of the new energy economy. This legislation is a win-win for Ohio,” said Rep. Kent Smith.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the fastest growing segment of the global auto industry. According to a recent Deloitte report, total EV sales are expected to grow from 2.5 million in 2020 to 11.2 million in 2025, reaching 31.1 million by 2030. 

 “It’s time to bring our state fleet into the 21st century by transitioning to electric vehicles,” said Rep. Weinstein. “Modernizing our state vehicles will save taxpayer dollars, improve our air quality, and allow Ohio to remain a leader in the auto industry.  If we don’t act now, Ohio will be left behind while the rest of the world moves forward towards a clean energy future.”