Newport police pilot shows five‑year savings from EV patrols; city weighs parking app expansion

Newport’s police department told the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 7 that an electric‑vehicle pilot for portions of its fleet is producing measurable cost and emissions benefits and could alter the city’s parking strategy.

“The EV pilot program has been proving wonderful,” the police chief said in the presentation, citing a lieutenant’s analysis that projects about $328,790 in fuel and operating savings over five years across 10 EVs. Staff highlighted idle‑time fuel savings and said charging costs for EVs currently run around $6 compared with roughly $70 to fill a Dodge Durango, a vehicle still common in patrol fleets.

Why it matters: The savings affect the police department’s fuel line in the next fiscal budget and could free general‑fund dollars. Commissioners framed the pilot as both a climate and budget issue — Vice Mayor Smith Morrow noted an estimated 126‑ton CO2 reduction cited in the packet.

What officials heard: Commissioners asked how savings will be handled in the budget process and whether the gains can be reinvested in city services. The chief said reductions in the fuel line would return to the general fund for taxpayer benefit.

Parking and chargers: Staff said a donated Level 3 charger from Duke Energy and plans to install Level 2 chargers in public parking lots would support fleet growth and other departments. The chief also reported strong results from a meterless parking app pilot, noting increases in surface‑lot revenue and lower meter‑maintenance costs. Staff said kiosks remain available for locations where the app may not be appropriate.

Next steps: Commissioners requested a follow‑up report showing specific budget line‑item impacts, options for resident annual passes or other accommodations, and a public‑facing comparison of parking‑app vendors and kiosk placement. Staff said they will bring detailed proposals and financials to a future meeting where the public can comment.

Attribution: Statements and figures above come from the police chief’s Feb. 7 presentation and board discussion.