Piloting a zero-emissions city parks vehicle in Port Moody

The City of Port Moody wants to evaluate the feasibility of using electric vehicles as part of its operational fleet for core city services. This pilot study will evaluate the performance as well as the economic and environmental benefits of using one off-road electric vehicle for the city’s parks operations. The vehicle will be used for parks maintenance, horticulture, urban forestry and trail management, among other things. The electric vehicle is expected to reduce the use of seven petroleum-fuelled park vehicles by up to 50% for the duration of the pilot study. The pilot is also expected to contribute to a reduction in noise pollution. The much quieter electric vehicle would reduce the negative effects of noise on resident Great Blue Herons, who are listed under the Federal Species at Risk Act as species of special concern. The primary objectives of the study are as follows: to validate potential greenhouse gas emission reductions as a result of introducing the electric vehicle to the municipal fleet; to evaluate the vehicle’s ability to perform a variety of parks operations by assessing its driving performance, safety, storage and transportation capacities, range and economic viability; and to make recommendations on the scale-up of this initiative and the inclusion of additional electric vehicles to the municipal fleet. The study aligns with several of the city’s existing plans and policies, including the Port Moody Council Strategic Plan, the Green Fleet Policy and Addendum, and the Port Moody Climate Action Plan. Innovative aspect(s): While electric vehicles have been used in other B.C. municipalities, this study’s innovation lies within tits integration of electric vehicle use with the city’s policy to “right-size the fleet,” which means ensuring that the correct-sized vehicle is associated with suitable tasks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address other environmental concerns. Electric vehicle use is also supported by the city’s “End of Life Electric Vehicle Battery Guide.” This demonstrates the holistic and long-term systems approach that the city is adopting towards zero-emissions vehicles. Replicability: The city plans to share project outcomes and lessons learned with other municipalities and private businesses (e.g., landscape businesses) at local and regional trade shows and conferences and through existing networks such as local government regional committees. If successful, the results of the study could prompt the adoption of electric vehicles by other local governments and private businesses. Environmental benefits: The city estimates that adding one electric vehicle to the parks fleet has the potential to reduce annual fuel consumption by 4,674 litres. This would result in a reduction of 11.98 tonnes of CO2e, which is equivalent to a 33.8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The pilot project is also expected to reduce noise pollution and improve air quality in parks, on trails and throughout the community. Economic benefits: The project will result in savings for the city’s parks operations by avoiding fuel costs and reducing maintenance expenses. Social benefits: The project will reduce public and staff health risks associated with tailpipe emissions from the existing petroleum-fuelled fleet. It is also expected to foster community pride and involvement in efforts to combat climate change and air pollution (Project description from original funding application)