Vermont Governor Switched to Hybrid Vehicle

Governor Phil Scott cited challenges with public charging accessibility as the primary reason for his return to a hybrid model.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Vermont Governor Switched to Hybrid Vehicle

Live Poll

Is now a good time for you to switch to an electric vehicle?

In the fall of 2025, Vermont Governor Phil Scott replaced his state-issued electric Ford Lightning truck with a hybrid vehicle. The transition occurred after the governor logged 70,000 miles in the electric model.

Why it matters

The change highlights the practical challenges of public charging infrastructure for high-mileage travel across the state. It underscores the difficulty even state leaders face when integrating electric vehicle technology into demanding, daily transportation schedules.

Governor Scott drove his electric truck for 70,000 miles over a three-year period. This shift away from an all-electric fleet vehicle marks a change in approach after four years of state-level electric vehicle adoption.

The players

Phil Scott

The current Governor of Vermont who oversees state fleet policy and infrastructure initiatives.

The details

The transition was prompted by consistent difficulty in locating public charging stations while traveling throughout the state. By switching to a hybrid, the governor retains the ability to navigate routes that currently lack robust charging support. The governor has indicated that he intends to return to an electric vehicle once charging technology and regional infrastructure provide more consistent reliability for his travel needs.

In 2022, Governor Scott began using an electric state-issued vehicle.
In the fall of 2025, the governor replaced his electric truck with a hybrid vehicle.
In October 2026, the vehicle transition was officially disclosed.

The Home Front

The transition mirrors the broader challenge of balancing state-level sustainability goals with the limitations of current charging infrastructure. It illustrates that infrastructure connectivity remains a primary hurdle for widespread adoption, following patterns observed in other regions with limited public fast-charging coverage.

If you are planning to switch to an electric vehicle, research the current network of charging stations along your most frequent routes using an app or state portal. It is worth evaluating your home charging capabilities to ensure you can offset limited public access during your daily commutes.

The takeaway

Reliable access to charging remains a critical factor in the transition to electric vehicles for high-mileage users. Residents considering an EV should verify existing infrastructure density in their area before committing to a full switch.