San Antonio Water System is rolling out 13 new fully electric vehicles as it partners with CPS Energy on a fleet electrification study.
The SAWS Conservation department has received six Chevrolet Bolts, which staff will use as they conduct free irrigation consultations with customers throughout the community. The Water Resources Leak Detection department will also receive two E-Transit vans to support field investigations this summer when leaks are at their highest levels. An additional five Ford Lightnings are expected in 2024.
SAWS has already installed several Level 2 charging stations for fleet use at its headquarters. Thanks to a 2022 grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Alternative Fueling Facilities Program, it has also added two charging stations for free public use, also at its headquarters.
The charging stations are one of SAWS’ contributions to the SA Climate Ready, Action and Adaptation Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The study with CPS Energy and NextEra Energy will help the power utility plan its infrastructure needs as other large organizations consider converting their fleets to electric to reduce carbon emissions, as well as determine sustainability outcomes.
As SAWS looks to switch portions of its light-duty vehicles to electric ones, the study will also help identify where it makes sense to implement those electric vehicles, as well as supporting infrastructure.
SAWS Fleet maintains a total of more than 1,300 fleet vehicles, including construction and specialized equipment such as excavators and concrete trucks.
