Location: City of Richmond, VA
Fleet Type: Municipal Fleet
Narrative
In 2020 Virginia Clean Cities (VCC) provided assistance for fleet electrification planning to Calvin Chambliss, head of the City of Richmond’s Fleet Management Department. The fleet had been recognized earlier that year by Government Fleet magazine and named one of the 100 best fleets in America by Governing Magazine.
VCC provided a detailed analysis and gave recommendations in a report for the City’s Sustainability Office. In 2023, the City of Richmond installed six EV charging stations for its fleet. This included t
wo at the motor pool area at City Hall and four at various Parks and Recreation locations. This was accomplished through Dominion Energy’s EV charging rebate program. Shortly after these installations, the department was able to order 10 Ford Mustang Mach-Es.
Outputs & Outcomes
The Ford Mach-E EVs have now arrived and are using the charging stations, while the remainders are charging with regular 110 outlets. VCC is currently investigating ways to help the City obtain two more Level 2 charging stations.
“The City of Richmond is leading the way to a green future and committed to our goal of climate neutrality in our municipal fleet operations. I am proud of the interdepartmental collaborations and collective buy-in that have led to the recent purchase of 10 EVs being added to the City’s fleet with more fleet electrification soon to follow.” – Mayor Levar Stoney
Best Practices & Lessons Learned
- Large complex organizations have multiple actors are different levels of authority. It is important to engage not only the fleet management leadership but also the financial leadership early in the electrification process.
- Change takes time. This electrification planning began in 2019 and has proceeded in fits and starts. Patience and adaptability to roadblocks is critical to achieving success in a long-term project
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