Four local partners have teamed up to turn over a new leaf.
On Friday, representatives from the City of Prince George, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, UNBC and Northern Health will unveil their new shared electric car - a Nissan Leaf.
The city has operated two gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles since 2009, but this would be the fleet's first 100 per cent electric car.
Released last fall, the Leaf gets about 160 kilometres per charge, explained Northland Nissan fleet manager Jared Crellin. This is the first electric machine the dealership has sold and it's been kept under wraps since arriving in Prince George.
"It's so neat. It's something we're not used to seeing every day," he said. "Although outwardly the car is no different from any other vehicle, it's whisper quiet on the road. It's like a golf cart."
Acquiring a zero-emission vehicle was a major part of the city's green fleet strategic plan and a part of the $142,000 for fleet equipment council approved in April.
According to a report from city manager of supply and fleet services Scott Bone, each of the partners will be responsible for 25 per cent of the proposed annual maintenance costs of $3,000.
Regional district electoral area C director Lara Beckett has been driving electric for the past three years. Her family owns a 1991 Sonoma pickup that's been refitted to run on electric power.
"I think it's a really exciting idea. I like that the four different institutions are joining together on this to trial it," she said. "I'm hoping they're going to be all seeing some benefits that will then encourage each one of them to move into these vehicles as they replace other vehicles that they already have."
Last year, her family sent a letter to the city asking them to consider making an electric vehicle charging station available.
"The lack of infrastructure for recharging electric vehicles is the greatest limitation to driving the electric truck around Prince George," the letter said.
As a part of the $58,000 purchase price, the city also acquired three charging stations, but they won't be for public use, according to the report.
Bone did not want to comment on the project ahead of Friday's unveiling.
