Climate Smart Kingston members updated the commission on city fleet transition efforts at the May 28 meeting.

Fleet vehicles: Staff reported the city received five Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles intended for police or patrol use and that the police department is actively testing them. Members relayed anecdotal feedback from officers about perceived range limitations and concerns about idling time for vehicles that carry equipment and power communications gear.

Renewable diesel pilot: Following research and interdepartmental collaboration, the commission said the city obtained authorization to procure renewable diesel for a three‑month pilot (June–August). The product will be a direct drop‑in replacement for existing diesel fuel and will be used in heavy trucks, garbage packers and other diesel equipment. Staff will track cost differentials and equipment performance; the pilot outcome will inform budgeting decisions for the following fiscal year.

EV tax credit / title issue: Staff noted a practical barrier to claiming federal EV incentives for some municipal police vehicles: in New York State, police vehicles may not be registered and titled in the same way as standard passenger vehicles. For Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax-credit purposes, the Internal Revenue Service requests registration/title documentation; staff said agencies have encountered inconsistency in what documentation the IRS will accept for municipal fleet vehicles and are working to resolve the issue.

Next steps: Staff will report back next month with usage and cost information from the renewable diesel pilot, and with a breakdown of the city fleet’s electrification status (sedans vs heavy-duty vehicles) to inform future procurement strategy.