A lean, mean, greenhouse gas fighting machine has been added to the Township of Langley’s fleet of corporate vehicles.
A Nissan Leaf, the Township’s first fully electric car, was purchased in October and is being used by staff to deliver mail between municipal facilities.
“It is important that we all take action now to protect our air quality and ensure we have a healthy environment for future generations,” said Mayor Jack Froese.
“The Township of Langley prides itself on being an environmental leader, and the addition of this electric vehicle will help by reducing harmful emissions and our carbon footprint.”
“Every action that we take to protect our environment makes a difference, and we hope residents will notice the car out and about in the community and give some thought to getting an electric vehicle themselves,” Froese said.
“Over its lifetime, the new electric vehicle will reduce carbon emissions by 30 tonnes,” said Farzad Ardestani, the Township’s corporate energy manager.
“It will also save the Township over $10,000 in fuel costs compared to its gasoline counterpart with a 35 MPG fuel consumption rating, and there will be significant maintenance cost savings.”
The new Nissan Leaf complements the Township’s environmentally friendly and efficient corporate fleet, which is one of only six in Canada to have achieved gold status in the E3 Green Fleet program.
A national initiative dedicated to green performance, E3 (Energy Environment Excellence) encourages fuel efficiency and the reduction of emissions through new fuels and technologies.
As part of the Township’s Fleet Action Plan, the eco-friendly fuel Biodiesel has been introduced, and some large vehicles have been replaced with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles such as hybrids. GPS tracking systems have also been installed to help with route planning and fuel management.
Two electric vehicle charging stations have been installed for use by the Township fleet.
As well, the Township has installed electric vehicle chargers for public use at a number of convenient locations throughout the community to encourage residents wanting to make the switch from gas to electric vehicles. They can be found at:
• Township Civic Facility (20338 65 Ave.), upper level parking lot. Available 24/7, two-hour maximum. Level 2 EV charger; free.
• Langley Events Centre (7888 – 200 St.) Available 6 a.m. to midnight daily. Level 2 EV charger; free. DC Fast Charger; charge for electricity used (at cost).
• Walnut Grove Community Centre (8889 Walnut Grove Dr.) Available 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, two-hour maximum. Level 2 EV charger; free.
• W.C. Blair Recreation Centre
(22200 Fraser Hwy.) Available 24/7, two-hour maximum. Level 2 EV charger; free.
“Transportation-related emissions are the highest out of any source in the Township — 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide in a year,” said Ardestani.
“We are doing our part to reduce those numbers and hope others will as well.”
