Cowichan turns over new Leaf today
Cowichan’s first publicly owned electric vehicle plugs in for use today by the region’s engineering department.
Staff will display its new Nissan Leaf, a totally electrically powered car that’s part of Cowichan Valley Regional District’s fleet upgrades into green technology, explained spokesman Rob Williams.
“This Leaf was paid for by the engineering department so it’ll be exclusively for engineering department’s use.”
The Leaf cost taxpayers $42,795 after a $5,000 provincial rebate, plus an 85 per cent HST rebate on $4,500 of taxes, he noted.
“We’ll eventually look at revamping our fleet system so the fleet can be available to anyone (staff),” Williams said.
The CVRD’s fleet is now fueled by gas, diesel and some biodiesel. The district could save about $23,000 annually on fuel and maintenance by going electric — while cutting carbon pollution, CVRD brass figured. The speedy, quiet Leaf costs just $1.25 to recharge in 16 hours.
The Leaf unveiling happens at 11 a.m. today behind CVRD headquarters downtown.
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