Fleet Services has just purchased the organization’s first all-electric sedan for operational use in the City fleet. The Nissan Leaf, an all-electric, five-passenger sedan will be assigned as a general-use pool vehicle for the Parks and Open Space and Maintenance divisions in Public Works.
This sedan burns no fossil fuel to power its electric motor and emits zero tailpipe carbon emissions. In fact,this vehicle doesn't even have a tailpipe. It is powered by an 80kw electric motor and takes advantage of lithium-ion battery technology to provide the required power supply to the electric drive train.
The Leaf has an operating range of 75 miles. The sedan can be charged using a 110 volt, 220 volt or quick-charge 480 volt fast charge. A charging station is located at the Public Works yard on Roosevelt Boulevard, and 16 other public charging stations are available in the Eugene area as part of the EV project and West Coast Green Highway.
This new addition to the City fleet is part of the ongoing effort to bring advanced vehicle technologies to help the organization address fuel costs and to assist in reaching the goals of the City’s Climate Action Plan. Currently, City Fleet ICE (internal combustion engine) sedans are operated for a minimum of 10 years and the return on investment for this new electric sedan will be approximately 7.5 years. In order to move forward with new vehicle technology it must meet both financial criteria and operational requirements for City departments.
For more information, contact Public Works Fleet and Radio Communications Manager Tony Jobanek at 541-682-4808.