Municipal Electric Vehicles
We’re making the switch to electric town fleet vehicles as an investment in a cleaner, greener future for our community. By choosing smarter, more sustainable options, we’re taking steps today that benefit all of us tomorrow.
Our Timeline
November 2020 – May 2021
Funding application + feasibility study prepared for EV pilot project
August 2022
Funding approved + agreement signed
September 2022
Began procurement of EVs and charging stations
December 2023
First EVs delivered
Six months of data indicates that the Town saved ~$11,000 in gas and spent ~$2,000 in electricity for the 6 EVs. A net savings of about $9,000!
The full report will be completed at the end of the project.
PCSP’S Pilot Project
- 6 new EVs replaced 6 existing Town fleet vehicles that were due for replacement
- 80% funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
- Additional savings from the Federal and Provincial EV rebates + NL Hydro EV Charger rebate
- Overall, the Town spent 65% less than was originally budgeted to replace these 6 vehicles with gas options
We’re proud to be working alongside the Town of Torbay toward electrifying our fleets and building a cleaner, greener future for our communities. This collaborative effort, knowledge sharing and exploring solutions together supports a more sustainable future for both communities.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Facts
A lot of research has been done as part of the feasibility studies for both the Town of Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s and the Town of Torbay fleet electrification projects. Here are some of the key points we’ve learned:
- Cold weather impacts EV battery range (it impacts the range of gas/diesel vehicles too)
- Town vehicles don’t usually drive over 100 km/day
- EVs on the market today have 400 km ranges or more
- Average efficiency loss in cold is 20-25% (Source: 2022 testing by ConsumerReports)
- EVs are 83x less likely to catch fire than gas vehicles
If an EV does catch fire, it is harder to put out because of the battery chemistry. Town Fire Departments are aware of EV fire suppression guidelines. (Source: evfiresafe.com)
