Have you seen the new electric vehicles adorned with the great City of Monterey seal on the doors driving around town?

Some of them prominently display the promising statements, “All Electric” and “Zero Emissions.” Facility Maintenance Coordinator Tony Wellisch, member of the City’s Green Team, energy efficiency guru, and captivating storyteller, has obtained a number of savvy all electric vehicles for regular use around the city. These vehicles boasts regenerative breaking, solid construction and handling, approximately 40 miles of range, and a max speed of 25 miles per hour… uphill.

The city now has three types of electric vehicle roaming around doing great work, at a low emissions cost. Our parks and cemetery staff have been using electric vehicles for several years. The newest electric vehicle additions to our fleet include two GEM cars in the Solid Waste Division, made possible through a grant provided by the California Department of Conservation. These electric vehicles make travel a zip for busy staff during everyday operations as well as special events, for example hauling recycling, solid waste, and compost bins. Charging an electric vehicle costs less and utilizes energy more efficiently than internal combustion engines, reducing emissions at the tailpipe and the fuel source.

If you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle for personal use, be sure to check out the State’s Web site for incentives and rebates for these “alternative fuel vehicles.” The GEM electric truck makes it easier for Angela Brantley and Lesley Milton to handle recycle bins at special events.

PARK YOUR CAR AND CHARGE IT TOO!

Have your own All Electric Vehicle that you zip around the city in? Did you know that the City of Monterey recently installed electric vehicle charging stations for public use at West Custom House Parking Garage in downtown Old Monterey, and behind City Hall on Pacific Street.  The parking spaces are marked Electric Vehicles Only, allow four hour parking, and a free electric vehicle charge.  Special recognition is in order to the Electric Auto Association for donating the refurbished chargers located at West Custom House Garage. 

A special thanks goes out to our City administration for encouraging environmentally friendly vehicle travel within our City.  Electric vehicles use less fluids, therefore, less maintenance and less leakage onto City streets that may otherwise result in storm water runoff of toxins.  They also use less energy for travel, and may be “fueled” with locally produced electricity as opposed to foreign oil.  Electric vehicles referred to as Zero Emissions Vehicles, are effective in the fight against climate change due to global warming.

The state rebates certain electric vehicles, and continues to review additional models to add to the list of rebated alternative fuel vehicles (AFV’s).  Are you in the market for an electric vehicle?  For a list of AFV’s that qualify for rebates from the State of California, please click here.

Still have questions? Check out more information on the electric vehicle chargers at West Custom House Garage.