With the increasing frequency of extreme heat events, forest fires and floods, we are all feeling the effects of climate change. Taking action now can reduce irreversible impacts and give people and nature time to adapt to our changing climate.
Colwood will soon have a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to guide our community's emissions reduction efforts.
One way the City of Colwood is already working to reduce our climate impact and manage the cost of operations is by making the shift to electric vehicles as current gas-powered equipment reaches the end of its useful life.
Saving money as we minimize our climate impact
Currently the City’s fleet is 24% zero emission and 7% hybrid. By 2024, 36% of the fleet is projected to be zero emission as replacement vehicles are introduced.
In terms of fiscal responsibility, this saves an estimated 33% over the life of each vehicle compared to a conventional gas car or truck, due to the reduced cost of fuel and maintenance. And while the purchase cost is currently sometimes higher, it is moderated by rebates of up to $9000.
For example, here's how costs breakdown for the City's EV Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD compared to the vehicles traditionally purchased for similar use.
EV and Conventional Gas SUV Estimated Cost Comparison (over 10-year ownership period)
| EV: Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD | Gas SUV: Chevrolet Blazer AWD | Gas SUV: Ford Explorer AWD | |
| Purchase Price | $59,920 | $48,685 | $58,850 |
| Annual Operating Cost (Maintenance & Fuel) | $1156 | $4028 | $4284 |
| Lifecycle Cost for this Vehicle | $71,480 | $88,965 | $101,690 |
Most importantly, switching to a zero emissions fleet reduces Colwood’s emissions which contribute to climate change. In 2021, 51% of Colwood's Corporate GHG emissions were generated by our fleet vehicles. This move will reduce our emissions by an estimated 37 tonnes every year, at a savings of $426 for every tonne. Just a single switch like driving an EV such as the Mach-E provides the equivalent benefit of planting 210 trees annually (BCHydro.com).
Why are zero emissions vehicles important?
We know that transportation is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in Colwood as well as in BC as a whole.
City staff are on the go in the community every day, maintaining infrastructure, visiting building sites, reviewing plans and projects onsite, encouraging compliance with bylaws, responding to action requests from residents, and setting up for events and activities, among other tasks.
The province is working to achieve a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030. The City of Colwood is taking steps to support that goal, reducing our emissions to protect our community from the risks of climate change.
Taking the lead on reducing emissions
Most trips by Colwood staff can now be made in an electric Nissan Leaf rather than a gas-powered vehicle.
The larger Mach-E SUV is available for when additional people, equipment or emergency supplies need to be transported, or when streets are icy and roads are steep.
A zero-emission van is used by the Parks team for irrigation system maintenance, fueling their day-to-day operations with hydro while working to ensure water is used sustainably in the care of the City's parks and boulevards.
The City is currently exploring options for additional full sized electric work trucks and vans.
Colwood is in good company with its efforts to shift to a zero emissions fleet. School District 62 recently made Provincial history with electric school buses and BC Transit's first ten electric buses are expected to be ready to roll this summer,
Expanding the City’s charging infrastructure
EV Chargers are available at Colwood City Hall, both in the fleet vehicle area and in the public parking lot. Colwood has a growing number of public chargers throughout the City, including at the Park & Ride, West Shore Parks & Recreation, Colwood Corners, Royal Roads, Royal Bay Secondary, Royal Bay Commons and a growing number of other locations. Chargers are also currently available at Meadow Park, and the City has applied for a grant to allow for installation at other parks, based on community input captured in the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
Learn more
Read BC's CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 and watch for opportunities to review Colwood's Climate Action Plan.
Media Contact
Sandra Russell, Communications Manager
srussell@colwood.ca
Find Colwood news anytime at www.colwood.ca/News
Subscribe for Colwood news at www.colwood.ca/Subscribe
Follow @cityofcolwood on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram