Clark County is trading horsepower for a greener ride. The county commission recently approved over $2 million to purchase nearly 60 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles, aligning with the county’s goal of a fully electric fleet by 2050. This bold move aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Transportation is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Clark County,” explains Ben Leffel, assistant professor at UNLV’s School of Public Policy and Leadership. A sustainability expert, Leffel commends the county’s decision.

Clark County joins other Southern Nevada public agencies transitioning to hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Las Vegas boasts nine fully electric vehicles, Henderson operates one alongside fourteen hybrids, and Boulder City utilizes EVs, including some within its police department.

The county’s new fleet of EVs will be sourced from Gaudin Ford. Leffel, who recently met with a European delegation impressed by Las Vegas Valley’s sustainability efforts, notes, “Clark County has a very good sustainability staff. They know what they’re doing.”

Nevada lawmakers reinforced this commitment to sustainability last year with a bill encouraging government agencies to consider vehicle longevity when making purchases. State Senator Rochelle Nguyen, a Democrat representing parts of northwest and central Las Vegas, believes the county’s investment in the Mach-Es is a wise one.

“These vehicles are cleaner for the environment, and they do last longer,” Nguyen says. “We’re not mandating EVs for local governments, but as a state legislature, we’re encouraging them to make choices that make sense – both financially and environmentally.”

Clark County’s purchase of 57 new Mustang Mach-Es, priced at just under $36,000 each, marks a substantial step towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Credits: KTNV