City of Powell River purchases plug-in car

City of Powell River has purchased an electric car, the first electric vehicle for the city. The 2017 Ford Focus replaces an engineering department van.

“I’m happy to see the city getting on board with different ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be a leader in sustainability initiatives,” said city councillor CaroleAnn Leishman, who also chairs the city’s sustainability committee.

A current energy efficient policy requires builders to ensure new developments are electric vehicle-ready for residents who want to install their own charging station.  
Recently, Powell River was awarded a grant for two charging stations, in addition to the one at city hall. Locations under consideration for the new stations include Powell River Public Library and Powell River Recreation Complex.

Leishman said she hopes the city will showcase the electric car at public events to promote energy efficiency in Powell River.

The new car’s extended range is more than adequate to cover the city’s use of an estimated 50 kilometres per day, according to manager of operation services Shawn Cator.

“It’s a good unit for our city,” said Cator in a statement. “It should cover 95 per cent of all of the needs of the engineering department.”

Cator said the city will look at replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric versions on an ongoing basis. He added that not every vehicle in the department’s fleet has an electric replacement option.