Town of Avon Charges Ahead with Electric Vehicles 

Five new all-electric Volkswagen ID.4s added to Town vehicle fleet

If you’re enjoying the fresh air in Avon lately, you might notice a hint of new-car smell.  That’s because the Town of Avon recently purchased five all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 SUVs to be included in the Town’s vehicle fleet.  The ID.4s represent not only progress towards Eagle County’s climate action goals, but stand out as a long-term investment to reduce fuel costs over time.  Additionally, the ID.4s are American-made, and show that green technology and manufacturing can bolster our national and local economy.

The Town of Avon has long sought sustainable investments that maximize return on investment and minimize environmental impact.  Ground transportation represents one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases (GHGs) in Eagle County over the last decade, and the majority of emissions attributed to transportation in the U.S. come from light-duty vehicles like passenger cars.  For the region to reduce GHGs and improve local air quality, the car-purchasing habits of individuals and local governments warrant a paradigm shift.   Eagle County’s Climate Action Plan advises the same, and states goals to increase electric vehicles (EVs) as a percentage of all vehicles registered in the County.  Count on Avon to get in gear!  

“Avon is excited to roll out the new Volkswagen ID.4s and to be on the cutting edge of electric vehicle technology,” said Fleet Manager Craig Wilmers. “These vehicles are American made and will contribute significantly to fuel savings and help meet the Town’s goal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

The ID.4s contribute to major savings relative to fuel costs as well.  Without the need for costly trips to the gas pump, the new Volkswagens save the Town and our community members thousands of dollars annually.  As gas prices increase, that return on investment only gets sweeter, and the Town’s electricity provided by Holy Cross Energy is guaranteed to come from 100% renewable energy sources through the PuRE program.  

Many of those renewable energy sources used in the PuRE program, including wind, hydro, and solar projects, are built and operated here in Colorado.  So whether you’re interested in saving the planet or improving the jobs outlook in the U.S., EVs should be considered part of the equation.  And if you’re holding your breath waiting for gas prices to go down… maybe exhale instead and start thinking about an EV as your best, next decision.  

For questions about the new vehicles, please contact Fleet Manager Craig Wilmers at cwilmers@avon.org.