The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is going green! Starting in 2019, MDVA is acquiring a multitude of eco-friendly vehicles for its light vehicle fleet. This will help MDVA fulfill one of its strategic goals of being a steward of resources, reducing the organization’s fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Among the new fleet will be the Ford Fusion and Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV,) as well as a fully electric Chevy Bolt with an energy range of more than 250 miles, according to MDVA Sustainability Coordinator Caroline McFadden. To support these vehicles, charging stations were installed at the Minneapolis, Hastings, Luverne and Fergus Falls Veterans Homes in 2019. These stations were funded in large part by grants from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The vehicles can also be charged at one of more than 300 ChargePoint stations across the state.

This month MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke had the opportunity to drive the new Silver Mitsubishi PHEV. He noted that the car was nimble, performed incredibly and included such amenities as heated seats and electronic interfacing. The all-wheel drive and ability to fit more than five people and their luggage will prove handy for the rough Minnesota winters. The Commissioner is very passionate about this initiative, stating: “This is the future of transportation for MDVA!”

Eco-friendly vehicles are just one of MDVA’s sustainability efforts. In addition to fleet improvements, the agency has set goals around energy, water, solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions.  MDVA is pleased to introduce the electric vehicles to its fleet and will continue to work toward keeping our planet healthy.

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