Nissan Leaf S
POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County will likely 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 and Chairman Dale Borchert stands behind it.
“I think it is great opportunity for the county to take advantage of a grant to purchase electric cars and charging stations,” Borchert said. “It does seem like a pretty straight forward opportunity to use some green technology at a very low cost.”
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 and can travel up to 100 miles on a full charge with a cost of 50 to 70 percent less to operate than a fuel-powered 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 five years would be about $128,000.
