By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Essex Council was provided with a six-month update and potential savings realized from the Electric Vehicle Pilot Project approved in 2023.
During 2024 Budget deliberations, Council approved the first purchase of the EV vehicle. It replaced the Capital Works vehicle.
David McBeth, Manager of Capital Work & Asset Management, explained this pilot program is part of developing an EV fleet plan.
In April 2024, Infrastructure Services received the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 EV.
“Through six-months, the EV has been a success, saving the Town approximately $828,” McBeth said, noting that rate was calculated in comparing the EV to a gas-powered vehicle of the same size.
The Town’s charging station at the Essex Arena was used to power the vehicle. The report notes the EV has been driven 8,804kms and cost the Town $489.79 in charging expenses for 1,404 kW of electricity at approx. $0.35/kW.
The Town recently installed a 240-volt plug on the exterior of the Essex Municipal Building, which is expected to increase savings as it has a lower energy rate. In a full year, combined, he believes that will save the Town $3950. Projected over a ten-year period, he estimated that it could save the Town nearly $40,000. That would be based on electricity and gas rates.
Based on the higher cost of purchasing an EV, it would take around four-years and one month to recoup the overage.
Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais asked for the difference in cost with the higher-price of an EV included. McBeth noted the EV was around $16,000 more than a gas vehicle. That reduced the cost-savings to around $24,000 over a ten-year period.
Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley asked about the lifecycle of an EV. McBeth noted, per the Town’s Asset Management Plan, vehicles are not kept longer than ten-years, but can be traded-out earlier if there are issues. Part of the pilot is to see if the EVs will last ten-years. Maintenance cost differences will be reported in 2027, after the vehicle has been used for a few years.
In answering Councillor Rodney Hammond’s question about expectations when it comes to swapping trucks, McBeth noted staff will recommend trying an EV truck in the Community Services Department as part of the 2025 Budget. That way, the Town will have at least one-year with the vehicle to provide feedback and learn of any challenges that may arise in replacing work force vehicles.
Hammond also asked if maintenance on the stations was worked in the savings McBeth provided. His report did not include those calculations. It only looked at gas savings. He added the charging station is not necessary. A 240-volt plug can be wired to use.
“I think it is a great pilot program,” Councillor Jason Matyi said.
The key of the pilot project, Director of Infrastructure Services, Kevin Girard, said is looking at long-term sustainability. He added that staff realizes not every vehicle in the Town fleet should be electric. The idea is to iron out details over the next few years to develop a fleet plan.
In answering Councillor Brad Allard’s question on whether or not there are kick-backs from higher levels of government to purchase EVs, McBeth noted the Town received a $5000 rebate in purchasing its EV vehicle.
Council received the report.