Through a special purchase agreement with the Government Services Agency, the Army has acquired 502 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The US Army became the leader in utilizing HEVs among all federal agencies in August of 2009, with the delivery of 502 hybrid vehicles. An HEV is a vehicle that combines a conventional propulsion system with a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional “gas only” vehicle. Its secondary propulsion system means that it does not require recharging visits to an electrical charging unit.
This effort of purchasing HEVs has greatly reduced operating costs for the Army. The Army staff estimates that a 1% reduction of fuel consumption in theater means roughly 6,000 fewer soldier fuel convoys. US Army officials are trying to convince Congress, Army senior leaders and the public to demonstrate their concern and responsibility for the environment.
