The City of Chula Vista is set to nearly double the number of electric vehicles in the city’s fleet. The City Council recently voted to acquire 34 new vehicles, including 14 all-electric and 20 plug-in hybrid electric models. The new vehicles replace aging, gasoline-powered cars and trucks that are less reliable and cost more to maintain.

“Many of the vehicles we are replacing are well beyond their useful life,” said Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “Modernizing our fleet helps us achieve our environmental sustainability goals while remaining fiscally responsible.”

Among the vehicles to be replaced are four 2005 Chevrolet Colorados used by fire prevention staff, two 2002 Dodge Dakotas used by construction inspectors, and five 2008 Chevrolet Impalas used by police investigators. The oldest vehicle being replaced is a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 pickup. Vehicles will start arriving in early 2019 with all anticipated to be in service by late spring.

The new models include Ford Fusion Energi, Mitsubishi Outlander and Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt Cargo vehicles. The total cost is approximately $750,000, and the purchase is made possible by Measure P, a half-cent sales tax measure approved by voters in 2016.

Compared to the vehicles that will be replaced, the cost to fuel the new vehicles will be an estimated 61 percent lower, while greenhouse gas emissions will be an estimated 80 percent lower. Maintenance costs are also expected to be lower because electric vehicles have fewer parts to maintain than internal combustion vehicles.

The new vehicles will join 15 all-electric vehicles purchased in March. The acquisition of these new vehicles brings the total share of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles in the city fleet to 31 percent. As part of the Climate Action Plan and the Operations Sustainability Plan, the city’s goal is to reach 40 percent alternative-fuel or electric vehicles by 2020.

This purchase is the city’s first to be made as part of the Climate Mayors EV Purchasing Collaborative, a program launched by 20 founding cities last month. The program enables the City of Chula Vista to purchase vehicles using competitively solicited contracts from other agencies that meet or exceed city requirements.

“Our effort to modernize our city fleet with efficient vehicles is consistent with our long history of environmental stewardship and leadership in Chula Vista,” said Salas. “Doubling the number of electric vehicles in our fleet sends a strong message about our commitment to achieving the goals of our Climate Action Plan.”

Approved by 68 percent of voters in 2016, Measure P is a ten-year, half-cent sales tax that is projected to bring in $178 million for critical infrastructure needs. The funds are being used to upgrade police, fire, paramedic and 9-1-1 equipment, vehicles and facilities; fund streets and sidewalks; replace storm drains to prevent sinkholes; improve parks; repair recreation facilities; and repair or replace other city infrastructure. A Citizens Oversight Committee monitors Measure P expenditures and reviews annual audits to ensure funds are being spent in accordance with the Infrastructure, Facilities and Equipment Expenditure Plan. More information is at www.chulavistaca.gov/measurep.