The City of Saskatoon’s municipal and transit fleet electrification strategy
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Transportation
Project value$107,000
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
Fleet Management
Grant amount$53,500
Program type
GMF
Municipality
City of Saskatoon, SK
Status
In Progress
Population
266,141
Project timeline
2022 -
Project number
DFC-22-0018
Description
The City of Saskatoon (City) intends to electrify 100% of its fleet by 2030. A strategy is required to help identify the impact, feasibility, and limitations of this target.
Saskatoon’s Municipal and Transit Fleet Electrification Strategy would be developed through research, engagement with public stakeholders, coordination with internal stakeholders, and the reporting of the Strategy to City Council.
The City launched a pilot program in 2020 to introduce light-duty battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) into the City fleet. Four Chevrolet Bolts were purchased for use by Saskatoon Light & Power, Facilities Management, and Parking Enforcement departments. Data collected from the project will be used to inform the Strategy. The pilot data and additional research will inform possible GHG reduction levels, EV lifecycle operations & maintenance costs, charging infrastructure capabilities, and whether functional capabilities of the available EVs will allow all municipal user groups to meet their required service levels.
Saskatoon Transit has also just completed a one-year demonstration test of a Build Your Dreams (BYD) electric bus from November 2020 to October 2021. The results of this test have been reported by Saskatchewan Research Council and findings will also be incorporated into the Strategy.
The Strategy would ultimately recommend a phased implementation and financing action plan to convert a majority or all the municipal and transit fleet to electric or other low/zero emissions alternatives to meet, if deemed feasible, the 2030 target. As well, the strategy would assess charging infrastructure requirements and limitations and make recommendations to ensure charging infrastructure is implemented at City facilities in alignment with the transition to electric vehicles.
Alongside strategy development, the City will pursue short-term opportunities as part of the current fleet and transit replacement strategy to replace vehicles with electric models whenever possible. Initial replacements are expected to include:
o Light-duty vehicles, trucks, and vans.
o Buses in alignment with the Transit Asset Management Plan
o Fire trucks
o Landscaping equipment
o Ice resurfacers
o Etc...
o Light-duty vehicles, trucks, and vans.
o Buses in alignment with the Transit Asset Management Plan
o Fire trucks
o Landscaping equipment
o Ice resurfacers
o Etc...
We anticipate this strategy and the subsequent fleet electrification will help inform and educate organizations and communities in the surrounding area of what may be possible for electrifying their own fleets, given the same limitations that Saskatoon faces, such as cold winters and less frequent amenities due to our low-density populations.
Applicant
City of Saskatoon, SK