The City of Wichita has purchased two new electric vehicles as part of a pilot program to determine if they will be cost-effective and efficient in city operations.
Mayor Brandon Whipple announced the purchase at his weekly news conference on Thursday. The Chevrolet Bolt vehicles are replacing two aging Ford Fusions in the public works fleet. The vehicles cost $28,250 each, and the city also purchased an electric vehicle charger for $17,750, but Whipple said the city expected to get a $10,000 rebate from Evergy. The 240-volt charging station was installed in the City Hall parking garage.
Whipple said the vehicles will provide long-term savings for the city. The gas-powered vehicles had a 12-year lifespan, or 120,000 miles. The electric vehicles will run for 300,000 to 400,000 miles for a lifespan of 20 to 26 years. The vehicles will reduce city gas consumption by about 4,180 gallons a year. They take five hours to fully charge.
The mayor said if the pilot program is successful, the city will consider the purchase of more electric vehicles in the future.
