Council approves Building Services vehicle purchase after push to prioritize electric models

The East Palo Alto City Council approved authorization to purchase vehicles for the Building Services Division on Feb. 18 after members pressed staff to prioritize electric models.

Council Member Webster Lincoln said the city should align vehicle purchases with its climate goals and push for fleet electrification, asking the council to “consider taking that route” and to plan installation of Level 2 chargers at city facilities. Community Development Director Chen told the council staff had identified a Ford Mach‑E (estimated 247‑mile range) and would pursue that quote in place of the Prius Prime listed in the staff report. Chen said vehicle quotes on the state‑approved list can change quickly and that staff would return during the budget process if a larger appropriation was necessary.

The motion to approve the purchase (with flexibility in the staff recommendation to secure available electric models) passed by voice vote. Councilors emphasized they want future procurement to favor fully electric vehicles except where no electric alternative exists and asked staff to coordinate with Public Works and the Climate Team.

The council did not finalize additional funding tonight; staff said it will come back to council during the budget process if estimates or availability change.