City of New Westminster “plugged-in” with new electric vehicles and charging stations

New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster is embracing Electric Vehicle (EV) technology by installing the city’s first electric vehicle charging stations and introducing the City’s first electric vehicle into its fleet. The new Level 2 EV charging stations, located in the rear parking lot of City Hall, and at the Front Street Parkade on ‘A’ deck at the 6^th Street entrance will offer EV drivers a secure place to charge their cars at no cost. The City Hall location will also charge the City’s new 100% electric Nissan Leaf which will be utilized by staff when conducting City business.

“We are proud to be among the region’s municipalities adopting new technologies and infrastructure to improve air quality and ensure sustainable transportation options for our future,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “By installing new charging stations in New Westminster, we are supporting residents in making environmentally friendly choices and giving electric vehicle drivers the freedom to visit and move throughout our great community.”

The Nissan Leaf fleet vehicle replaces one of the City’s conventional gas-powered vehicles and will be accessible to all staff for work-related trips. The zero emission vehicle is capable of travelling up to 160km and is estimated to cost the City approximately $200 a year to operate, compared to $1,200 for a gas-powered vehicle. Over a lifespan of 8 years, the City will save approximately $16,000 and reduce more than 6 tonnes of greenhouse gases.

“The City is committed to our Low Carbon Fleet Policy, and our new electric vehicle and charging stations puts us on the right path to reducing our fleet emissions by 2017.” said Dave Cole, Assistant Manager, Engineering Operations. “Our plan is to try and incorporate more hybrid and electric vehicles, including utility trucks, into our fleet in the future.”

The electric vehicle and charging stations are supported by the Province of British Columbia through two incentive programs designed to encourage and accelerate clean energy vehicle implementation and build a network of charging infrastructure within BC. The Clean Energy Vehicle program provided $5,000 off the cost of the electric vehicle and the Community Charging Infrastructure Fund contributed $20,000 towards the installation of five charging stations in the city. Four charging stations are available for public use, and one will be located at the City’s Engineering Operations works yard. Signage has been posted to help direct EV owners towards the charging stations.

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Contacts:        
Blair Fryer, Communications Manager
City of New Westminster
or 604-527-4688

Dave Cole, Assistant Manager, Engineering Operations
City of New Westminster
dcole@newwestcity.ca  or 604-517-5409