Board extends five-year fleet pilot, asks for EV infrastructure update in one year

County officials presented results from a five-year fleet pilot and the Board authorized a five-year contract extension while directing staff to return with a focused update on electrifying portions of the county fleet.

Forensic and Services General staff reported fuel- and maintenance-related savings and identified about 37 county vehicles as potential candidates for electrification. The pilot produced per-vehicle savings and lower cost-per-mile for certain classes of service vehicles; staff cautioned that not all vehicle classes (notably patrol cars) are currently practical to electrify without additional equipment or charging solutions.

“Tenemos ahorros ahí…el costo por milla fue 8 coma 24 por 100 más bajo,” staff reported, and the board requested a one-year follow-up to document infrastructure needs, vehicle suitability and any necessary contract flexibility to shift to electric vehicles as application and technology conditions evolve.

Supervisors discussed impacts on fleet maintenance staffing, charging infrastructure lead times (staff estimated roughly 1–1.5 years for charger installation at certain sites) and procurement flexibilities within the five‑year contract. The motion to extend the contract and return within a year for a progress update passed unanimously.

Ending

Services General and the Sheriff’s office will continue the pilot, study electrification opportunities, and present a progress report and infrastructure plan within one year.