ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: May 30, 2002
Author/Local: Thomas Ban

/323-7882

RTS No. 02763

CC File No. 5106

Council: June 11, 2002

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Electric Vehicle Trial Project

INFORMATION

The General Manager of Engineering Services submits this report for Council's information.

PURPOSE

To update Council on the addition of two new electric vehicles that have been added to the Engineering Services fleet for a two year trial project.

DISCUSSION

The City has been involved in various pilot projects showcasing alternate fuel vehicles since the 1970's, including electric vehicles for litter pick-up, methanol garbage packers, and natural gas vehicles. Since then, there have been many advances in vehicle technology including newly designed electric vehicles using the latest in battery technology.

As part of Engineering's ongoing research to find low emissions vehicle fleet solutions, Engineering Services is financing the leasing of two electric vehicles for the City fleet for a two year trial period. Both of these vehicles, the Ford Electric Ranger EV and the Think City two-passenger car, are zero emission vehicles.

The 2000 model year Ford Electric Ranger EV uses lead-acid batteries for energy storage and is powered by one electric motor mounted at the rear of the vehicle. This particular chassis type is being used by the US Postal Service with over 5,000 trucks scheduled for service this year. The Ranger EV can maintain a speed of 100 km/h for a distance of over 70 km before requiring a recharge.

The 2000 model year Think City is a car designed specifically for urban use because of its small size and dent-resistant body panels. Instead of lead acid batteries, the Think City uses high-tech nickel-cadmium batteries. Its body construction makes extensive use of recyclable materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods. The Think City is also capable of maintaining a speed of 90 km/h for a distance of 60 km before requiring a recharge.

These two vehicles will be available for viewing and a test drive on the North side of City Hall's ring road during Council's recess period on the afternoon of, June 11, 2002.

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