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Utilities staff describe new electric pickup trucks and push for public fast chargers; commission to contact Tesla and partners
Summary
The utilities department has put two electric pickup trucks into service and is evaluating adapters, charging locations and public fast-charging options. Commissioners discussed models for deploying chargers — municipal-owned, turnkey private operators, or partnerships with businesses — and noted the library has capacity for two future stations.
Commissioners heard that two new electric pickup trucks are in service with the utilities department and that staff plan to charge them, when possible, from on-site solar. Jerry explained the trucks include a 220-volt export panel in the bed that can be used as a portable power source at pump stations, and he called them “another portable generator in effect for us.”
Staff said the trucks have good range and low maintenance needs but are still being integrated with charging infrastructure; adapters to use Tesla Superchargers have been ordered. The current municipal charging points are mostly slow Level 1 or Level 2 units; the group discussed the benefits of adding Level 3 fast chargers and the practical models for deployment — city-owned, grant-funded, or turnkey private operators that install and operate stations in exchange for revenue and maintenance.
Commissioners requested outreach to Tesla and other partners, and discussed candidate host sites such as grocery stores, Meijer, Culver’s and the library’s new parking lot (which was built with capacity to add two chargers). Staff noted Indiana laws and utility rules can affect whether a municipality can directly sell electricity for vehicle charging and said different grid regions and utilities have different rules that affect business models.
No formal action was taken beyond a direction to pursue contacts and options. Staff said they will reach out to Tesla and local businesses and consider consultants for layout and demand analysis.
