Chino Hills amends City Yard Energy Project to add EV fleet charging infrastructure

The Chino Hills City Council unanimously approved Amendment No. 1 to the city's agreement with Willdan Energy Solutions to add fleet electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure to the City Yard Energy Project.

Staff explained the charging component had been deferred during original design because the state's EV phase‑in mandate for medium and heavy duty vehicles was then uncertain. "By 2030, 100% of our medium and heavy duty fleet purchases will need to be electric," the project presenter said, adding the city is already required to ensure 50% of new medium‑ and heavy‑duty purchases are EVs. Staff reported the yard's current electrical service capacity has been exceeded by near‑term fleet growth, creating the need for separately metered service and underground build‑outs included in the amendment.

Willdan, selected through a consultant RFP, provided a fleet transition analysis used to size charging needs and the long‑term replacement strategy, staff said. To limit financial exposure, staff proposed installing the charging stations required for immediate demand while designing for future expansion.

Staff recommended funding be drawn primarily from the water and sewer operations in proportion to fleet composition, with the remaining cost covered from identified general‑fund savings. The council voted 5–0 to approve the amendment.

Council and staff said the project will increase electricity costs over time but expect higher upfront and operating costs will be offset by fuel savings across the life of the equipment.