POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess
County is likely going to join a Central Hudson program to purchase four
all-electric vehicles at a 33 percent discount off manufacturer’s
price.
The program, to buy the Nissan Leaf Model S vehicles, is aimed at promoting
clean transportation alternatives while enabling customers of the utility
to purchase the vehicles at a reduced rate.
The resolution requires county legislature approval. The Department of
Public Works, which handles the county’s motor pool, would assign
the cars to various departments for short trips in the county instead
of driving gas-powered vehicles.
County Executive Marcus Molinaro said the purchase of the vehicles “goes
hand in hand with our efforts to promote clean, renewable energy throughout
Dutchess County.” He said the resolution to go before lawmakers
on September 11 would help to reduce the county’s carbon footprint,
while making “a sensible financial and energy saving investment.”
The cars will cost $22,005 each, compared to the list price of $33,705
an can travel up to 100 miles on a full charge with a cost of 50 percent
to 70 percent less to operate per mile than a conventional vehicle.
The county would also purchase four dual-port level two charging stations
at a cost of $10,000 per station, which included installation. They would
be placed around the county and be available for county and public use.
The total cost of the program over a five-year period would be $128,020.
