Clean Power Alliance used a California Energy Commission information item to roll out its Electric Fleet Transition Program, a new pathway intended to help member agencies electrify public fleets.
According to CPA’s presentation, the program can provide up to $250,000 per member agency for vehicles, charging equipment, utility interconnection and technical assistance. The utility said the assistance is being provided by contractor Optony and is meant to support fleet replacement planning, charging needs assessments, site design, charging optimization, procurement and the search for other funding sources.
CPA presenters Ted Bardacke and Joanne O’Neill said the program is aimed at the barriers many local agencies face, including high upfront costs, limited staff capacity, uncertainty around vehicle availability and the need for electrical upgrades. The presentation said the effort is designed to help agencies comply with Advanced Clean Fleets requirements, which require 100% of public fleet vehicle purchases to be zero-emissions by 2030.
The presentation also said 15 member agencies have opted in so far, with nine projects receiving technical assistance. CPA reported seven fleet replacement plans completed, two more in progress, 13 EVs purchased and five charging ports installed.
CPA estimated that the seven completed fleet transition plans will ultimately lead to 1,464 EVs purchased, 463 charging ports installed and 61,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide avoided once fully implemented. The presentation did not specify how funding will be allocated across projects or identify every participating member agency.
The presentation is available through the California Energy Commission’s business meeting materials.
