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Using a Joint Procurement Process to Increase ZEV Adoption Nationwide was an effort led by CALSTART to develop a replicable and flexible multi-state zero emission vehicle (ZEV) procurement model. This project, also known as EV Smart Fleets, aimed to create a nationwide solicitation for fleets interested in purchasing ZEVs. By assisting fleets in developing and using a single procurement, the project aimed to reduce the purchase price of ZEVs and increase ZEV adoption in public fleets.

CALSTART and their project partners engaged automobile dealers, automakers, and a large network of state and municipal government fleet procurement officials to inform the process. After significant research and engagement with these stakeholders, the project identified several significant obstacles to a nationwide procurement model for ZEVs. This research and market analysis revealed that the franchised vehicle dealership model prevented a nationwide ZEV contract from occurring and that state governments are often prohibited from purchasing vehicles from out-of-state dealers. These, along with other insurmountable barriers, prevented the project from proceeding with the nationwide EV procurement solicitation.