BOARD MEETING DATE: February 6, 2009
AGENDA NO. 7

PROPOSAL:

Execute Contract for Demonstration of Medium Speed Electric
Vehicles

SYNOPSIS:

For many residents within the South Coast Air Basin, commutes and short trips can be accomplished solely on residential streets at speeds below 35 mph.  This proposed project is to demonstrate a Medium Speed Electric Vehicle (MSEV) program in the South Bay. The program will promote MSEVs, also called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, to residents, select businesses, municipalities and government entities and establish a website with driver’s information. This demonstration project is for a period of up to 18 months.  This action is to execute a contract with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to establish and implement the MSEV program in an amount not to exceed $178,825 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, January 23, 2009, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to demonstrate Medium Speed Electric Vehicles in an amount not to exceed $178,825 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
 

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Achieving federal and state clean air standards in Southern California will require emission reductions from both mobile and stationary sources beyond those expected using current technologies. Passenger cars and light trucks account for most of these emissions. In addition, there are increasing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions from these vehicles and petroleum dependence from the heavy use of conventional technologies.

For many residents within the South Coast Air Basin, commutes and short trips can be accomplished solely on residential streets at speeds below 35 mph.  Medium Speed Electric Vehicles (MSEVs), sometimes called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, are designed for such low-speed local trips in neighborhood and urban areas. MSEVs are legal in California on all streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less.

MSEVs are zero-emission, battery-powered electric vehicles which travel at speeds up to 25 mph and have a driving range of 30-50 miles. The batteries are recharged through standard 110 volt outlets. If the battery charge is fully depleted, it takes eight hours to fully recharge, but it can get an 80% charge in four hours. MSEVs are available in 2-, 3-, and 4-door models and are smaller than the typical gasoline sedan. They provide the same on-demand service as automobiles and take less space to park.
 

Proposal

SBCCOG desires to develop a program to stimulate the private market for MSEVs through several tasks:

Task  

1. Local outreach to introduce the program to local government, employers, neighborhood associations, and senior services.
2. Recruit MSEV host sites and participants with potential for extensive vehicle use that are willing to accept rules for participation.
3. Obtain MSEVs after obtaining quotes from vehicle providers including ZENN,
   GEM, Miles, and Zap. Based on initial quotes, 5-10 vehicles can be purchased. A GPS unit will be installed on each vehicle and liability insurance will be purchased.
4. Start MSEV training & demonstration after executing agreements between SBCCOG and participants.
5. Launch web site and link it to the SBCCOG’s Environmental Services Center.
6. Develop “driver’s kit” to assist in MSEV operation and post an online version
   on the project website with staff support information and related project links.
7. Monitor vehicle usage to ensure that vehicles are being used regularly and ad-
   dress any operational issues.
8. Rotate participants every 3-6 months and gather feedback with pre- and post-
   demonstration surveys.
9. Evaluate overall project and prepare final report.

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed project is included in the March 2008 update of the Technology Advancement Plan under the project entitled, “Transfer and Demonstrate Hybrid and Electric Technologies in Conventional Applications.” The AQMP relies upon the expedited implementation of advanced technologies in Southern California to achieve air quality standards and to continue reductions in air toxic exposure.

The use of battery-electric vehicles eliminates nearly all vehicle pollutants, even considering the potential for a minor increase in powerplant emissions. Replacing 1000 miles of conventional gasoline vehicle usage for one year with one MSEV will reduce NOx and PM2.5 emissions by approximately 2.96 and 0.04 pounds, respectively. As the numbers of MSEVs grow, the emission benefits will grow proportionally.
 

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII.B.2 of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is made under provision B.2.d.: Other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Officer require such waiver in the best interest of the AQMD. Specifically, these circumstances are: B.2.d.(8) Research and development efforts with educational institutions or nonprofit organizations.

This project will be conducted and managed by the staff of the SBCCOG which is a nonprofit joint-powers authority government agency.
 

Resource Impacts

Total cost for the proposed project shall not exceed $178,825 from the AQMD’s Clean Fuels Fund.

Sufficient funds are available in the Clean Fuels Fund, which is established as special revenue from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.