FORT KNOX, Ky. – The era of fully-electric vehicles has officially begun for the Fort Knox fleet.
In an effort to lower the amount of greenhouse gases that are being emitted into the atmosphere, all new installation government vehicles will be ordered in the electric equivalent whenever available, according to Transportation specialist and post fleet manager Christina Cortez.
“The Army is working to go greener,” said Cortez. “As long as a vehicle is manufactured as electric, that’s what we’re ordering now.”
When the call came in that the installation’s first fully electric vehicle had arrived Sept. 29, Cortez said it represented a new stage in working toward protecting the environment.
“It’s great for Fort Knox to have this first one come in,” said Cortez, “and this is just the beginning.”
Cortez is charged with keeping the installation stocked with the various government vehicles needed. She said the new cargo van is only a small part of her initial order.
“More are coming in. I ordered nine altogether,” said Cortez. “We’re going to get another cargo van, a sedan and a compact sedan. Then we’re going to get six plug-in hybrid vehicles.”
Cortez said although the arrival dates aren’t available yet for the additional vehicles, she was anxious for this first one to hit Fort Knox streets.
“The cargo van will get about 126 miles on a charge,” said Cortez. “Having it for the purposes of driving around post will be great.”
Because electric vehicles need to be plugged in to charge, Cortez said the next step is getting charging stations installed.
“They just awarded the contract for the charging stations last week,” said Cortez. “I’m not sure exactly when they’ll start installation, but they’ll be going in soon.”
Cortez said two separate areas with electric vehicle charging stations are slated to be constructed on post; the new vehicles and the addition of the charging stations are notable environmentally conscious strides.
“The goal is to eventually be all electric,” said Cortez.
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