I. RECOMMENDATION:
This is a future agenda Item, requested by Councilwoman Stolz.
II. BACKGROUND:
Councilwoman Stolz, requested the Police Department look into transitioning some of the current patrol SUV fleet to hybrid vehicles once the last of the leased fleet is paid off, as well as purchasing additional charging stations. The last payment on the current fleet vehicles is $50,799 and will be paid off November 2021.
III. DISCUSSION:
In looking into hybrid police vehicles, the Ford Interceptor is the only hybrid SUV that will work for patrol purposes. Both Dodge and Chevrolet have SUV's, however, neither are hybrids. The cost of a hybrid Ford Interceptor is about $ 41,148.95, plus the cost of the emergency equipment, which can be anywhere between $6,000 and $9,000. The cost of a non-hybrid Ford Interceptor is about $38,127.07, plus the cost of the emergency equipment, again between $6,000 and $9,000.
Based off Ford's estimation of 730 gallons of fuel used annually and estimating fuel costs at about $2.60 per gallon, the estimated annual cost of fuel for a hybrid Ford interceptor is about $1,898. Currently the estimated cost of fuel for a non-hybrid patrol SUV is about $2,826, but that is heavily influenced by the officers activities, calls for service, investigations and so on.
The hybrid Ford Interceptors are not compatible with charging stations, as the batteries charge off the engine itself. Some agencies have tried an electric patrol vehicle, but with a battery that relies on a charging station for a charge, they are not dependable when it comes to longevity and extended operations / calls / pursuits. They run the risk of running out of charge while in the field.
For the charging stations, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District does offer grant programs. The one suited for this project would be the Charge Up Program. It is a 3-year program and depending on the type of charging station, would award up to $25,000 per charging station or up to $50,000 for a total project.
In speaking with Turn Key Construction, a company recommended by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, the estimated cost of a Charge Point Dual Charging Station and needed accessories is about $9,000 plus design and permit fees. There is an annual cost of about $329 per station. The grant itself is a 3-year program so at a minimum, annual fees would be about $1,974.
The grant would cover up to $6,000 of the cost for one dual port charging stations such as this.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
None.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
The difference between the cost of the hybrid ($41,148.95) and non-hybrid ($38,127.07) Ford Interceptor is about $3,021.88. The estimated cost of fuel savings, an estimated savings of $928 with a hybrid Ford Interceptor, the non-hybrid Ford Interceptor may be a better option for the City.
If the City decided to go with a Dual Charging Station, the cost would be an estimated $12,000. With the grant covering up to $6,000, it would cost up to $6,000 out of the City's budget, plus the annual cost of about $329 for the first three years to comply with the grant. | | |