BOARD MEETING DATE: October 9, 1998 AGENDA NO. 22
PROPOSAL:
Execute Lease of Toyota RAV4 Electric Vehicle
SYNOPSIS:
The AQMD demonstrates new clean fuel vehicles to public and private organizations so potential purchasers may familiarize themselves with available low emission clean fuel technologies. As part of the Technology Advancement Alternative Fuel Vehicle Loan Program, vehicles are procured as new technologies become available. It is proposed that the AQMD lease a 1999 model year Toyota RAV4 electric vehicle. Total cost to the AQMD will not exceed $27,000.
COMMITTEE:
Technology, September 25, 1998, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
- Authorize the transfer of $27,000 from the Technology Advancement Professional and Special Services account to the Rents and Leases of Equipment account in the FY 1998-99 Budget.
- Authorize the Executive Officer to execute a three-year lease agreement for one Toyota RAV4 electric vehicle at a total cost not to exceed $27,000.
Barry Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer
Background
The AQMD operates a number of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), including those powered by electricity (EVs), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and methanol (M85). Most of these vehicles are assigned to AQMD inspectors or utilized in the AQMD motor pool. Many of these vehicles are also used in the AQMD’s carpool program.
The AQMD utilizes some AFVs in the AFV Loan program, which demonstrates new clean fuel vehicles to public and private organizations so that potential purchasers may familiarize themselves with commercially available AFVs. This program is especially important for EVs, in order to educate the fleets and others about EV operating characteristics and charging requirements. These vehicles are also used by AQMD staff for demonstration and display at meetings, conferences and workshops.
Proposal
Staff recommends that the Board authorize the lease of one Toyota RAV4 EV. This vehicle will join a Honda EV PLUS, already in the AQMD fleet, and a General Motors EV1, expected this fall. Because of the evolving nature of EVs, in most cases the manufacturers lease the vehicles rather than offer them for purchase. Because of anticipated advancements in the technology, Toyota only offers the RAV4 EV for lease.
Benefits to AQMD
The proposed project is included in the September 1997 update of the Technology Advancement plan under Project 97M1-3, Development and Demonstration of Low Emission, Alternative Fuel Engine Technologies for On-Road Applications. The purpose of including EVs in the AQMD fleet is to illustrate the AQMD’s own commitment to EV technology, and to showcase available OEM EVs and encourage purchase of these vehicles by public and private organizations. The AQMD supports the ARB’s electric vehicle mandate, and strives to educate public and private organizations regarding the benefits and characteristics of electric vehicles. The objective of adding the RAV4 EV to the AQMD’s fleet is not the emissions benefits from one electric vehicle, but the ability to illustrate the viability of the vehicle to Basin fleets to encourage the purchase of these vehicles.
Sole Source Justification
Section VIII(B)(2) of the procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is made under provision B2d, "other circumstances exist which are in the best interests of the AQMD." The AQMD endeavors to include as many available technologies as possible in its fleet, representing a cross-section of the manufacturers. The fleet currently includes a Honda EV PLUS, and a General Motors EV1 will be added in the near future. The Toyota RAV4 represents the only other original equipment manufacturer electric vehicle available in a sedan configuration.
Resource Impacts
The total amount of a three-year lease of a Toyota RAV4, including the cost of the charger, will not exceed $27,000. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1998-99 Budget, from revenues received from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. Funds will be transferred from the Professional and Special Services account to the Rents and Leases of Equipment account. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile and stationary sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels in both sectors, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.
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