For Economic Development Committee October 28, 2020
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
FROM: Michael Tahan, Interim Public Works Director
Title
Purchase of Electric Vehicles and Purchase and Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
Body
BACKGROUND:
On September 10, 2019, the City of Rialto received grant funding from Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) in the amount of $135,980. The Grant required City matching funds in the amount of $177,327. The City utilized AB 2766 funding allocation to cover the required match. The MSRC grant, along with the City’s matching funds from AB2766 total $313,307. The staff report accepting this funding is included as Attachment 1.
The Grant will be used for the purchase of Light-duty Zero Emission (battery-electric or fuel cell) equivalent vehicles at approximately $28,000 each. MSRC funding will cover 50% of the vehicle's net purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less. The City will be using AB 2766 funding allocation to cover the required match. The City projects being able to purchase up to 9 vehicles, depending on pricing obtained from the RFB.
The Grant will be also be used to install EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) charging stations at publicly accessible locations. MSRC funding will cover 75% of the cost to install EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) charging stations. Therefore, the City's match requirement is only 25% per the Program Opportunity Notice. The City will use the AB 2766 funding allocation to cover the 25% match. Staff estimates that the City could Purchase 4 new charging stations and install eight charging stations (4 new and 4 old) with this project.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
Electric Vehicles
The Fleet Department evaluated three of the most popular electric vehicles currently on the market. All vehicles were 2020 models. The vehicles being used for the comparison were the:
• Tesla Model 3
• Chevrolet Bolt
• Nissan Leaf
All the vehicles are very similar in cost and features, but the Chevrolet Bolt has some distinct benefits over the other two models. First, the City of Rialto’s Fleet Division already utilizes multiple Chevrolet Dealership for current Fleet needs. Training for staff would be minimal for servicing the Chevrolet model. Table 1 below shows a comparison of features
researched by the Fleet Maintenance Division.
When making the comparison, the Fleet Division ranks the electricity range as the number one factor, consumer rating as number two and roadside assistance number three. The pricing listed does not reflect fleet bid pricing.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The City currently has electric vehicle charging stations at the following locations:
• Metrolink Parking Lot North - Two (2) single charging stations (Free to charge)
• Metrolink Parking Lot South - One (1) single charging station (ChargePoint), one (1) dual charging station (ChargePoint)
• Rialto Library Parking Lot - One (1) single charging station (Free to charge)
• Rialto Racquet and Fitness Center - One (1) dual charging station (Free to charge)
• Easton Retail Center Parking Lot - One (1) single charging Station (ChargePoint), and One (1) dual charging station (ChargePoint)
Below are pictures of the dual and single ChargePoint Electric Vehicle Charging Stations we plan to install which will replace the older “Free Charge” stations.
It is the City’s plan to remove the “Free to Charge” stations at the Library, Metrolink Parking Lot (north side) and Fitness Center and replace them with new ChargePoint charging stations. The old, free charge stations would then be relocated to the City’s Fleet Services location or other secure City facilities to be used by the City’s Electric fleet purchased through this grant.
• Metrolink Parking Lot North - Two (2) single charging stations (Free to charge)
to be replaced with One (1) single charging Station (ChargePoint), and One (1) dual charging station (ChargePoint)
• Rialto Library Parking Lot - One (1) single charging station (Free to charge) to be replaced with One (1) dual charging station (ChargePoint)
• Rialto Racquet and Fitness Center - One (1) dual charging station (Free to charge) to be replaced with One (1) dual charging station (ChargePoint)
• Other locations where appropriate if funding is available
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Operating Budget Impact
This action will have no impact to the operating budget; however, when the project is completed, the charging stations average annual operation and maintenance cost is approximately $2,163 according to an analysis conducted for similar charging stations used at the Easton Retail Center parking lot. The maintenance of zero or near zero emission vehicle may require additional maintenance costs; however, fuel cost savings should adequately offset the additional maintenance costs.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
To purchase clean-fueled vehicles and install EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) charging stations the following budget is required:
• Grant funds in the amount of $135,980 from MSRC
• City matching funds from AB 2766 funding allocation in the amount of $177,327
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Request Economic Development Committee to Recommend City Council Approve the purchase of up to 9 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles, 3 (ChargePoint) dual charging stations and 1 (ChargePoint) single charging station.