Vernon council approves purchase of electric trucks, but long wait for delivery

Photo: Ford

The City of Vernon will go ahead and order two new electric pickups – but the price tag caused some councillors to give their approval reluctantly on Monday.

The two new Ford Lightning trucks will cost about $75,000 each. The Lightning is the electric equivalent of the F-150.

“This is approximately $20,000 more than the equivalent gas-powered alternative,” a report to council said.

“Financially, it doesn’t make sense when compared to a gas-powered vehicle,” said Coun. Kari Gares, while acknowledging its environmental advantages.

Gares also noted that batteries may die out after five to eight years and are expensive to replace.

“The electric BMWs, it’s $45,000 to replace the battery,” she said.

But Gares was told that in many cases batteries are under warranty and can be repaired rather than replaced.

“Batteries … typically have an eight-year warranty, which covers you for defects,” said James Rice, the city’s director of operation services. “You don’t necessarily have to replace them. Just because a battery goes faulty, doesn’t always end up in replacement.”

“I’ll honestly say that I do have a little bit of sticker shock,” said Coun. Teresa Durning, adding that Rice’s comments about a battery warranty eased her concerns somewhat.

New councillor and electric car owner Brian Guy said: “The fears about range and charging and battery degradation melt away after you’ve got some experience with them. The batteries will typically outlast the car or the truck.”

Council was told the deal can be cancelled if costs go up.

Delivery is expected to take 18 months to two years.