NEWS RELEASE

March 19, 2018

For Immediate Release

Savannah Piloting Electric Vehicles

SAVANNAH, GA (March 19, 2018) — The City of Savannah has completed a pilot project to test the use and feasibility of electric vehicles in their fleet. The project supports the Savannah Forward Strategic Plan priority under Good Government to convert 15% of the City’s vehicle fleet to alternate fuels or hybrid technology by 2023.

The pilot project ran for approximately four weeks, during which time various City staff test drove the loaner vehicle and used it in their normal work day. Data has been electronically collected to assess use patterns and the appropriateness for converting specific City vehicles to electric.

Savannah Sustainability Director Nick Deffley said, “Electric vehicles have zero emissions - they don’t even have a tail pipe or a typical engine. So, there’s no need for oil changes or other standard car maintenance. They save money on fuel and maintenance costs, and reduce carbon emissions, which makes for a healthier environment.”

The loaner vehicle is being tested by the Parking and Mobility Services Department. The Department Director, Sean Brandon, is excited about the project. “We appreciate the opportunity to make our fleet more efficient while making a demonstrable contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of the City.”

The pilot project was implemented in partnership with Georgia Power and Nissan Motor Company. Any potential procurement of electric vehicles by the City will be conducted in a fully competitive process in adherence to the City’s Procurement Ordinance.