Title
Resolution to Authorize the Purchase of Direct Current Fast Charging Equipment from ChargePoint Inc. and to Appropriate Funding from the Fleet Services Fund Balance (Sourcewell - $151,880.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The attached resolution authorizes the purchase of high speed direct current fast charging (DCFC) equipment for installation at the Wheeler Service Center for use by City owned vehicles. The equipment will provide the ability to charge up to four vehicles simultaneously and will initially be used for the two all-electric refuse trucks purchased by the City.
The DCFC system proposed under this resolution will be installed in the vehicle equipment storage building at the Wheeler Service Center. This type of charger, also known as level 4, are the highest power chargers on the market and require high voltage (480v) and high amperage (200A+). The higher power is necessary to charge the large battery packs being used on heavy equipment, such as the EV refuse trucks. It also can provide a quicker charge for smaller vehicles, about 80% of battery charge within 20-30 minutes. This versatility is necessary as the City continues to add EV’s to the Fleet, especially at the Wheeler Service Center. While the heavy equipment charges overnight, light vehicles can plug in during the day for a quick charge like a traditional fuel fill up.
The City has been using ChargePoint equipment for our EV charging since early 2019 and has been very pleased with their equipment. We currently operate 35 level 2 chargers for City vehicles and four DCFC at City Hall for public charging, all ChargePoint. ChargePoint is also the manufacturer of the 80 EV chargers recently installed in the City’s downtown parking area. By using the same EV charging system manufacturer, it allows greater flexibility for City vehicles to charge at different locations and for Fleet Services to authorize and monitor electric usage.
This purchase is for equipment only and the installation will be handled separately by Harper Electric. ChargePoint Inc. was awarded the contract for EV charging equipment under the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program (#042221-CPI).
Funding for this equipment will be paid through the Fleet Services Fund as fueling infrastructure and be partially reimbursed through three grant sources. The City is eligible for a $70,000.00 rebate from DTE through their Charging Forward eFleets program, $17,024.00 from the USEPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant, and $49,350.00 from the State of Michigan Fuel Transformation Program grant.
ChargePoint Inc. complies with the requirements of the City’s conflict of interest and non-discrimination ordinances.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for the purchase of this charging equipment is available in the FY23 Fleet Services Fund Operations and Maintenance budget upon approval of the appropriation request from the Fleet Services Fund Balance.
Upon installation of the charging system, the City will submit for the DTE rebate. The additional grant amounts are part of the two separate grants approved for the purchase of the two all-electric refuse trucks and will be reimbursed when each truck is received and placed in service.
Staff
Prepared by: Matthew J. Kulhanek, Fleet and Facility Unit Manager
Reviewed by: John Fournier, Deputy City Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Fleet & Facilities Unit needs to purchase electric vehicle charging equipment for the City’s fleet;
Whereas, Competitive bids were received by the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program for electric vehicle charging equipment and ChargePoint Inc. was awarded contract #042221-CPI;
Whereas, ChargePoint Inc. complies with the requirements of the City’s Conflict of Interest and Non-Discrimination Ordinances;
Whereas, Grant Funding will partially refund the cost of the equipment and installation; and
Whereas, Adequate funds for the purchase of this equipment are available in the Fleet Services Fund Balance;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the issuance of a purchase order to ChargePoint Inc. for the purchase of direct current fast charging equipment in the amount of $151,880.00;
RESOLVED, That funding in the amount of $151,880.00 be appropriated from the Fleet Services Fund fund balance to the FY23 Fleet Services Fund Operations and Maintenance budget; thereby, increasing both the revenue and expenditure budget; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary actions to implement this resolution.