Miami-Dade Commissioners Demand Urgent Audit of Electric Vehicle Fleet Financial Viability
Miami-Dade County commissioners have unanimously approved a resolution requiring a detailed financial and operational audit of the county’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet, amid growing concerns that the transition away from fossil fuels is costing taxpayers more than anticipated. The directive orders the administration of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to produce a comprehensive report within 30 days that assesses whether the fleet—particularly the county’s electric buses—is delivering the savings initially promised.
The inquiry focuses heavily on the performance of the Department of Transportation and Public Works’ electric bus fleet. The county previously invested approximately $126 million to acquire over 100 electric buses and install necessary charging infrastructure. However, officials are now raising alarms regarding significant operational failures. Commissioners have requested specific data points, including the number of vehicles currently out of service, the average mileage achieved between charges compared to manufacturer claims, and a breakdown of maintenance costs versus traditional diesel counterparts.
Skeptics and concerned officials point to the bankruptcy of bus manufacturer Proterra as a major complication, citing difficulties in obtaining spare parts which has left many buses sitting idle rather than serving routes. Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, a sponsor of the measure, argued that the county must verify if the environmental contributions are tangible or merely symbolic, especially if the vehicles are frequently inoperable. Critics further contend that when downtime, battery degradation, and high repair costs are factored in, the “total cost of ownership” for EVs may be significantly higher than that of internal combustion engine vehicles, contradicting the initial sales pitch of long-term savings.
Background information highlights that Miami-Dade has been a leader in Florida’s push for municipal fleet electrification, leveraging federal grants to reduce carbon emissions. The initiative was designed to lower fuel and maintenance expenditures over time. However, supply chain disruptions and the volatility of the EV market have complicated these efforts. The upcoming report is expected to determine if the county should pause future EV purchases or pivot its strategy to ensure fiscal responsibility while pursuing sustainability goals.
miamiherald.com
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