Highway superintendent urges board not to buy EV pickups for emergency work; board requests green-procurement comparison
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Summary
Highway Superintendent Theresa told the board that electric pickups and plow trucks currently lack the range and operational redundancy needed for emergency and heavy-duty highway work; the board asked for a green-procurement comparison memo before authorizing replacement purchases.
The highway superintendent asked the board for authorization to obtain pricing to replace two pickup trucks used for emergency response and utility work (estimated replacement costs: $75,550 and $58,000). She said these vehicles would replace older, heavily used units and that a plow or utility truck must meet demanding operational requirements.
Theresa argued electric pickups and plow-truck options are not yet equivalent for prolonged emergency operations: heavy loads, plowing, towing and cold-weather duty reduce EV range and could require mid-storm recharging, she said. Board members pointed to the town's green-procurement policy and to examples of other communities that have adopted EV fleet vehicles; the board directed staff to produce a justification memo comparing green alternatives and fossil-fuel options per the procurement policy. No purchase appropriation was made; the superintendent will compile comparatives for the board's consideration.
