Transforming the Fleet: LADWP Set to Roll Out New EV Vehicles
By Albert Rodriguez
LADWP has embraced electrification of our transportation fleet in a big way as part of an emphasis on our corporate sustainability and environmental responsibility. Some of the latest and most modern electric vehicles (EVs) in the market have been purchased for use during our day-to-day operations thanks to a “Zero Emission First” procurement policy that adheres to Mayor Garcetti’s Green New Deal Directive 25. Newly purchased vehicle models include the Ford F-150 Lighting all-electric truck and the Ford Mach-E sport utility vehicle. Assistant Director of Fleet and Aviation Services Keith Hall assures employees that electric vehicle durability has significantly improved, and range anxiety is diminishing as many vehicles now have a range of over 300 miles.
“Our main criteria for selecting these EVs were based on our own operational needs and demanding, rigorous work environment. Over the years, we have had plenty of experience with EVs and we have seen vast improvements that make them comparable to gas-powered vehicles in terms of range and capability.”
Keith Hall, Assistant Director of Fleet and Aviation Services
LADWP Fleet and Aviation Services recently took delivery of the first of nearly 100 Ford F-150 Lighting trucks. The Lightings will come in two versions, with 49 of them in the 230-mile range and another 50 models in the 320-mile range. The 230-mile model is more than adequate for in-basin work trips, while the 320-mile model will be able to transport employees from Downtown L.A. all the way to places like Bishop with perhaps one stop for a 30-minute fast charge along the way. Both truck models will have a max payload of 2,000 lbs. and a max towing capacity of 7,700 to 10,000 lbs. One innovative feature of the Ford Lightning is that the empty space, which once housed the gas engine, has now been refitted as a front-end cargo compartment. New additions to the fleet also include eight, 330-mile range Ford Mach-E sport utility vehicles with more arriving in the coming months. One Mach-E has been placed in the JFB Motor Pool and can be checked out for a day.
Another common concern about EV’s is the infrastructure needed to accommodate these types of vehicles, especially at aging LADWP facilities. Fleet Services is working closely with the Power New Business and Electrification division to actively prepare and design plans to meet the future needs associated with the electrification of transportation. By January of 2024, 50 percent of medium and heavy-duty vehicle purchases by LADWP are required to be zero emission vehicles.
“We have made great strides towards our goal, with 560 plug-in electric vehicles currently in the fleet, which is equivalent to removing 5.2 million pounds of CO2 from our roadways,” said Hall. “As part of our procurement, we will continue searching for vehicles that represent the best value for the Department and for our ratepayers; we’re always looking for the most bang for our buck.”
Fleet and Aviation services will also continue to train LADWP vehicle technicians. As the technology in the vehicles evolves, it becomes more intense and specialized – so maintenance is another aspect of EVs that must be taken into consideration. Looking towards the future, LADWP is also in the process of purchasing two, all-electric bucket trucks by the end 2023. Other heavy-duty models are also being considered. As zero emission technology improves, LADWP will be charging ahead and leading by example in the adoption of these new vehicles.
Video by Oshin Manoukian, photo by Art Mochizuki.
F-150 Lightning Electric Truck (left)
- 49 units with a 230-mile range
- 50 units with a 320-mile range
- Max payload: 2000 lbs.
- Max tow capacity: 10,000 lbs.
- Vehicle-to-grid capable
Ford Mach-E Vehicle (right)
- 8 vehicles with a 330-mile range
share this page
This publication is written and published by the Corporate Strategy and Communications Division. For other 2022 issues, click the three horizontal lines icon next to the Contact logo at the top left of the document. Then click the “Editions” tab. For issues from 2000-2021, see Intranet page MyDWP/.