University Vehicle Purchase

Departments are required to get approval from Fleet Services before buying a vehicle. In determining vehicle selection, the requesting Department must comply with state and federal regulations and UCI/ UCOP Policies regarding vehicle purchases. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) requires that 75% of the University’s light duty vehicle acquisitions shall be alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), as follows:

• • A light duty vehicle is a vehicle under 8,500 lbs gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
  • An alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) is a vehicle that is capable of operating on a fuel other than gasoline or diesel, such as: 85% ethanol (E85), compressed natural gas(CNG), hydrogen, or electricity.
  • A plug-in hybrid generally counts as an AFV, but an ordinary hybrid vehicle does not (the only fuel it receives from an outside source is gasoline).
  • A biodiesel vehicle is not recognized as an AFV per se but can earn credits for consuming biodiesel.

The U.S. Department of Energy identifies vehicle types and models that are compliant with current regulations.

Fleet Services will work with you to determine the best type of vehicle to suit your needs and find the best deals. Proper specification ensures vehicles are built to safely handle what you need – whether that’s utility, heavy-duty loads, passenger transport, etc.

Purchase and lease requests must be approved by Transportation and Distribution Services.