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Presenter lays out three‑phase plan to electrify Norwalk police fleet
Summary
A task-force presenter proposed phasing in electric vehicles for Norwalk Police (start with administrative vehicles, introduce EV patrol cars, and develop a resilience hub with solar and Level 2/3 chargers), noting potential fuel and maintenance savings and that funding and timing depend on the city budget.
Tyrone presented a three-phase plan to transition Norwalk Police Department vehicles to electric at the task force meeting on March 19.
He recommended starting with administrative vehicles to allow staff to gain experience with EVs and capture early operating-cost savings. "Phase one will allow them to utilize the admin vehicles, get familiar with the EV fleet from an admin standpoint, realize the cost savings," Tyrone said.
Phase two would electrify the entire administrative fleet and begin the gradual introduction of some patrol EVs. Phase three envisions turning the police station into a community resilience hub with on-site solar, battery storage and charging infrastructure: Level 2 chargers for routine use and Level 3 DC fast chargers to support patrol vehicles during peak operational needs.
Tyrone cited idling and fuel costs as a driver for the proposal: "The Norwalk Police Department last year alone spent about $350,000 in gasoline," he said, and added that EVs typically reduce routine maintenance costs (he noted that his own EV’s only recent expense was new tires). He said the plan will include a funding stack and contingency language because grants and incentives change quickly.
Supporters on the call highlighted comparable efforts elsewhere. Diane Laurella said some nearby towns have begun fleet transitions and praised the proposal; she offered to help advocate for piloting patrol EVs. Tyrone said the proposal will include estimated costs and funding options for consideration by city decision-makers and flagged that final timing depends on the city budget and grant availability.
The task force did not vote on the proposal. Tyrone said he will include funding options and next steps in a written package for staff review.
