Wellesley’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is charging ahead with plans to support the Town's sustainability efforts.
DPW recently took delivery of the Town's first all-electric vehicle (EV), a 2023 Chevy Bolt. The car was partially funded with a $7,500 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) EVIP program which assists fleet operators in purchasing EVs and charging stations.
The Bolt is efficient, economical and has a range of 247 miles when fully charged. The car will be primarily used for project oversight and inspections throughout Wellesley.
"One of the most effective methods for lowering our carbon footprint is to drive EVs. As DPW is among the departments with the most vehicles in Town, we're focused on efforts to transition to more low- or non-emission vehicles to help the Town reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050," said DPW Director Dave Cohen.
In a
ddition to the Chevy Bolt, DPW is prepping for the delivery of another seven fully electric vehicles, also all partially funded by the Mass EVIP Grant. These new EVs will replace certain gas powered vehicles within DPWs existing fleet.
To charge the EVs, four charging stations (1 rapid charger and 3 level two chargers) were also purchased and installed at DPW headquarters. 60% of the costs of these charging stations were also funded through the EVIP Grant Program.
Keep an eye out for the Bolt, and other Town of Wellesley EVs, on local roads in the coming months.