$1.5 Million in Grants from Maryland Energy Administration Will Assist Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles

Montgomery County Department of General Services (DGS) has received two grants totaling $1.5 million from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) to further the County Department of Transportation’s transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles. 

Under the Maryland Energy Administration’s new Medium-duty and Heavy-duty Zero Emission Vehicle Program, these two grants will enable the County to replace outdated, polluting vehicles with nine electric vehicles and one electric loader, supporting the transition to sustainable transportation and addressing public health concerns in underserved communities. 

One grant of $1,440,000 will be used to purchase four single-unit short-haul trucks, one single-unit long-haul truck, and four transit buses. An additional $60,000 grant will be used to purchase an electric loader to support eight underserved communities in the Gaithersburg area with snow removal, mowing and road repair services. 

"This funding will allow us to enhance our transportation infrastructure, reduce fuel expenses and contribute to the County’s ambitious climate action goals," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "As I make my recommendations for the County’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, receiving this competitive grant from the Maryland Energy Administration ensures that state tax dollars are reinvested back into the community, delivering tangible benefits locally. The County is committed to leveraging this funding to create a cleaner, healthier environment for all its residents. The transition to zero-emission vehicles is not just an investment in technology but a critical step toward achieving long-term sustainability and improving public health. We thank MEA for this grant which marks a significant milestone as we work toward cleaner air and healthier communities."

The impact of this grant is substantial, both economically and environmentally. It is estimated that more than 750,000 gallons of diesel fuel will be reduced over the vehicles' lifetimes, and almost 400 tons of greenhouse gases will be decreased, which is equivalent to taking 85 average-sized cars off Maryland’s roads. 

The County’s first zero-emission dump truck will set a precedent for future sustainable transportation initiatives that align with the broader goals of County Executive Elrich's Climate Action Plan to promote sustainability while ensuring economic efficiency through the use of modern, emissions-free equipment. 

The County’s climate action goals aim for an 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035. With this grant, the County will replace gas and diesel vehicles, including box trucks, dump trucks, and service vehicles, with zero-emission alternatives, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions. 

"This grant award from the Maryland Energy Administration is a significant step forward in DGS’ mission to efforts to provide innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability in Montgomery County," said DGS Director David Dise. "These funds will help us replace old, inefficient equipment with environmentally sensitive alternatives, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and lowering operating costs. This helps DGS's deliver on its commitment to deliver efficient, effective, and environmentally responsible solutions for our community."

"The Maryland Energy Administration recognizes that if we are to truly push back against climate change, we must reduce carbon emissions throughout our transportation sector, focusing not only on cars but on vehicles of all shapes and sizes," said Maryland Energy Administrator Paul G. Pinsky. "That’s why our grant programs also help enable the types of progress being demonstrated in Montgomery County, where MEA is helping to electrify a range of vehicles, including buses, dump trucks and snow removal equipment. These grants will deliver substantial emissions cuts and new, clean horsepower to the Montgomery County fleet."

The grant will provide significant benefits to the community, including improved air quality, addressing equity concerns and cost savings to taxpayers. 

Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles will lead to better health outcomes and cleaner air for all residents. Electric vehicles typically have lower operating and maintenance costs compared to their diesel counterparts, translating to long-term savings for the County. The vehicles funded by this grant will primarily be deployed in areas identified as having higher pollution burdens, directly addressing environmental equity concerns and supporting the health of underserved communities.