Farmers Branch to use $76,000 DOE allocation to pilot electric pickup and smaller EV

At the March 13 meeting, staff told the committee Farmers Branch has been allocated about $76,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to support municipal electric vehicles.

Speaker 1 said the plan is to pilot one electric pickup (the F-150 Lightning class was discussed as a candidate) and one smaller light-duty vehicle. Staff noted that several of the city’s current light-duty trucks are candidates for replacement and that electrifying those could reduce emissions and fuel costs.

Staff cautioned that production delays for electric trucks could affect the city’s ability to take delivery within anticipated windows and that DOE approval of purchase plans is required before spending the grant funds. Staff said a two-year window from approval to ownership is expected but an extension may be sought if necessary.

Committee members asked about timelines and alternatives; staff said compact SUVs could be substituted if truck lead times prove prohibitive.