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Port Angeles details fleet shift to hybrids and EVs, plans broad vehicle replacements
Summary
City fleet manager told council the city now operates 11 hybrid and six fully electric vehicles and proposes multiple 2026 replacements and purchases—standardizing truck models, continuing renewable diesel use and pursuing grants for charging infrastructure.
Brian Coburn, the city’s fleet manager, told the Port Angeles City Council at its work session that the city has added 11 hybrid vehicles and six fully electric vehicles since 2022 as part of the city’s climate resiliency plan and plans additional hybrid or electric replacements where suitable.
Coburn said the 2026 capital proposals include three police vehicles, a Parks 2026 Ford F550 2-yard dump truck replacing a 2006 model, a 2026 F250 pickup replacing a 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 for Parks, and multiple like-for-like replacements in water, stormwater and equipment services. “We’re trying to purchase new vehicles that are identical across the fleet, not only for our purpose, but for operators as well,” Coburn said, citing benefits for operator familiarity, parts interchangeability and simplified diagnostics.
Why it matters: Standardizing makes maintenance and snow-plow response quicker and reduces parts inventories, staff said. The city also intends to keep using renewable diesel (bofuel or R99) in heavy equipment. Coburn noted most current electrification is limited to smaller vehicle classes because larger electric work vehicles and heavy trucks are not yet widely available.
Operational details and costs: Councilmembers pressed for measurable savings and data. Coburn said newer vehicles often show better miles-per-gallon and that per-vehicle gains of “four to five miles to the gallon” were observed on some replacements, but that fluctuating fuel prices mean overall bills have not dropped yet. The city purchases bofuel through the state contract and stores it at two 6,000-gallon tanks at the corpyard, he said.
Charging and mechanic training: Coburn warned the council that operating EVs without adequate charging can strand crews: charging a vehicle on a 110-volt outlet can take up to 24 hours, and fast chargers are needed for practical field operation. He urged training for mechanics and reported hiring a mechanic with Ford experience has helped, but that factory-level EV training is limited and staff are exploring training partners.
What’s next: The equipment services fund includes 23 vehicle replacements planned for 2026 (about $3.9 million) and another 23 vehicles in 2027 (about $2.3 million). The city intends to continue reviewing each purchase for available electric or hybrid options, pursue federal and state grants to expand charging infrastructure, and procure standard, interchangeable units where feasible.
Staff and council reaction: Councilmembers expressed support for the shift and asked staff to track gallons purchased and fuel costs over time to better quantify savings. Coburn and Manager West said staff will look into tracking fuel gallons and related costs to provide clearer metrics to council.
