UPS, FedEx, AT&T, Verizon and PepsiCo have all signed up to the National Clean Fleets Partnership Program and committed to incorporating electric vehicles, alternate fuels and other fuel-saving measures into their fleets.

The White House has also added its commitment to developing a broad range of policies including new incentives for natural gas fleets and new research on advanced biofuels as well as technical assistance and cutting-edge research and development.

President Obama also said that government departments and agencies need to make sure that 100% of the vehicles they buy are fuel-efficient or clean energy cars and trucks by 2015. 

And President Obama also reiterated his commitment to a $7,500 tax rebate for motorists  buying electric vehicles.

The news of the new National Clean Fleets Partnership Program has been greeted by Oliver Hazimeh, head of the global e-Mobility Practice at international management consulting firm PRTM, who commented on the advantages of electrified fleets.

Mr Hazimeh said: 'In light of President Obama's announcement of The National Clean Fleets Partnership, we applaud the public-private partnership model inherent in this partnership. We would like to reinforce the long-run advantages of electrification in reducing fuel consumption, over alternative forms of fuel as we move toward clean fleets. As battery costs come down as expected over the next few years, electric drive vehicles will become the most cost effective option by the latter half of the decade.'

The National Clean Fleets Partnership Program also shows the benefits of using natural gas, according to America's Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA). Executive vice president Tom Amontree said: 'It is highly significant that the President of the United States, for the second time in a single week, has noted the vital contribution natural gas vehicles can make to reducing our nation's dependence on foreign energy and promoting clean air in our communities.

'Natural gas vehicles outperform conventional fuels with a significantly higher octane rating, better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs – all while offering dramatic reductions in emissions. And, with the price of natural gas nearing half that of traditional gasoline, greater use of natural gas vehicles is a smart business decision, as well. We are pleased that the President is recognizing these benefits and making the case for greater use of our nation's vast natural gas resources to help address our country's energy challenges.'