Green Our Rides

Adopt and support zero-emissions transportation methods

Transitioning to a zero-emission NPS fleet is critical to achieving net-zero status at parks. The NPS is transforming its fleet into a new generation of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and will continue to expand its focus to include non-highway vehicles and equipment.

The NPS is evaluating new technologies for transit vehicles and leveraging its purchasing power to drive innovation. Transitioning to carbon-free electricity is even more imperative with an electric fleet. New and existing partnerships are also key to the electric vehicle supply equipment networks that will fuel the future.

Green Parks Plan "Green Our Rides" Objectives:

1. Transition 100 percent of eligible 2022 federal fleet and transit vehicles to ZEVs.
2. Transition 100 percent of non-highway vehicles and equipment purchases to electric and zero-emission fuels.
3. Transition 100 percent of visitor transit vehicle purchases to ZEVs.
4. Assess, right-size, and install infrastructure to support electric and alternative fuel vehicles for the NPS fleet, employees, and visitors.

Electric Vehicle Charging in National Parks

The NPS supports a variety of alternate transportation options for NPS employees and visitors, such as walking, biking, and public transportation. Nevertheless, for many national parks—particularly those in remote locations—private vehicles are often the most convenient form of travel. To encourage visitors to drive EVs to national parks and reduce local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the NPS has installed EV charging stations at parks across the United States. While all EVs can run on electricity alone via a rechargeable battery that powers the electric motor, they primarily fall into two categories:

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Can travel on either electricity or gasoline
• Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): Uses a battery only to store electric energy and power the motor

To support EV drivers visiting national parks and among NPS staff, the NPS has taken steps to provide charging infrastructure for park visitors, NPS employees’ personal vehicles, and NPS fleet vehicles.

Furthermore, the National Park Service Electric Vehicle Transition report assesses the current state of NPS EV adoption, analyzes needs and gaps, and outlines the range of activities that the NPS will need to undertake to successfully transition to EVs and plan for the lifecycle maintenance of these vehicles.

Check out more on Electric Vehicle Charging.