The City of Evanston is proud to announce a significant step towards achieving its Climate Action & Resilience Plan (CARP) goals, the addition of twelve new electric vehicles (EVs) to its municipal fleet. This brings the City closer to its commitment to reaching carbon neutrality.
The City’s journey toward electrifying its fleet began in April 2021, when it acquired a 2018 Nissan Leaf electric passenger vehicle. The City then expanded its EV fleet with six Chevy Bolts and five Ford E-Transits. These vehicles have been outfitted with an EV emblem and are actively deployed across City departments including Health and Human Services, Community Development, Public Works and Administrative Services.
In addition to the passenger vehicles, the City has added two electric golf carts and a Tropos electric utility vehicle to its fleet. The Tropos is used by staff at the Robert Crown Community Center and the golf carts are used by the Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department and Public Works Agency for their operations.
Installing Electric Charging Infrastructure
Addressing the need for robust charging infrastructure, Facilities and Fleet Management staff have recently installed two dual-mounted chargers at the City’s Service Center tailored to the new E-Transit vans. This addition enhances the City’s charging capabilities, accommodating up to four vehicles concurrently.
The City has also partnered with Carbon Day, a ChargePoint partner, to install five dual-mounted charging stations at the Morton Civic Center and three at the City’s Service Center, to be used exclusively for City fleet vehicles. This infrastructure will allow for the simultaneous charging of up to sixteen electric vehicles, with provisions in place to expand as more vehicles are acquired.
Reaching Climate Action & Resilience Plan Goals
The City’s Climate Action & Resilience Plan (CARP) includes the goal of eliminating tailpipe emissions from its municipal fleet by 2035. This transition from traditional fossil fuel combustion engines to emission-free electric vehicles is a pivotal move toward improving local air quality and safeguarding the health of vulnerable community members. The City’s current municipal electricity agreement provides 100 percent renewable electricity to charge the vehicles, through the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Midwest wind farms.
For more information, call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.
