Alternative fuels: Vehicles and Pilot Projects

The City of Lawrence has made an on-going commitment to research and pursue alternative fuels and vehicles when it is economically feasible. Our fleet inventory currently includes three hybrid vehicles (combination gasoline and electric power). We also own thirty seven flex fuel vehicles that are capable of using E-85 (85% ethanol and 15 % gasoline).

Our flex fuel vehicles are currently being fueled at Earth Friendly Fuels and the Central Maintenance Garage monitors pricing and performance to make sure that we maintain a cost neutral program.

The remainder of the gasoline fueled fleet runs on E-10 most of the year. The Diesel fueled fleet now runs on a 2% blend of bio-diesel. We have made the switch to bio-diesel to regain lubricity lost when ultra low sulfur diesel was introduced.

Electric Vehicle Pilot Program

Presently we have one used low speed neighborhood vehicle (Global Electric Motorcar) in testing and evaluation (see link below). This vehicle has been used in Parking Control and is currently being tested as a plant maintenance vehicle at the Waste Water Facility.