Policy-Fleet Electrification Policy 091321

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Where the Town contracts vehicle services, the Town will provide a preference for contracts and seek out companies for competitive bidding that offer the use of electric and/or fuel-efficient vehicles. 4. Purchase,lease or contracting of standard vehicles If the transition plan identifies that an EV is not commercially available or not suitable for a particular class of vehicles when replacement of a vehicle in that classification is required, a standard vehicle may be purchased. If purchasing a standard vehicle, the purchase should prioritize the most fuel-efficient model available and consider fuel-reduction and emissions-reduction technology, such as diesel particle filters, selective catalytic reduction systems, exhaust gas recirculation, NOx adsorbers, oxidation catalysts, anti-idling devices, etc. Where opportunities exist,particularly if grants and new technologies are or become available, the Town should pilot electric options for heavy-duty vehicles. 5. Evaluation of fleet and vehicle size The Town will procure vehicles and equipment of minimum size according to assessed needs. Specifically, the Town will ensure that purchase plans require vehicle class and model of the smallest size and weight appropriate for each vehicle's tasks. All positions requiring vehicle use shall be evaluated as to the required vehicle class size necessary to conduct the job. The Town will evaluate ways to reduce its fleet size. Departments will also investigate whether vehicles can be shared between departments. When retiring a vehicle from the fleet, the Town will evaluate whether replacement is necessary. 6. Electric vehicle charging Where possible, efforts will be made to install charging equipment at locations convenient for vehicle users to minimize operational inefficiencies. However, flexibility may be required of vehicle operators and Town staff to adjust procedures to accommodate charging locations. 7. Funding The initial purchase price of policy-compliant vehicles and equipment may be more expensive than standard vehicles in the initial years, while operating costs over the life of the vehicle will be lower. Departments should estimate upfront investment required for vehicle purchases and budget accordingly in capital budget requests. The Town shall evaluate existing capital requests for vehicles and evaluate opportunities to fund additional upfront costs. The Town shall take advantage of grant funding to offset the upfront costs of electric vehicles and charging apparatus. 8. Monitoring and Reporting: Progress against the transition objectives for each vehicle class will be monitored and reported to the Select Board on an annual basis. As part of this report, staff will identify the best date 3