Agenda Item Wording:
title
Approve purchase of solid waste pilot electric truck - Approve the purchase of one 2025 model year solid waste electric residential side loader demonstrator truck from Haaker, Inc. through the Sourcewell Cooperative in the amount of $876,368.58 and appropriate $876,368.58 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
body
Agenda Date: 04/06/2026
Prepared by: Jason Serpa, Public Works Manager, 713-4533, jason.serpa@visalia.city; Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, 713-4052, nick.bartsch@visalia.city
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that Council approve the purchase of one 2025 model year solid waste electric residential side loader demonstrator truck from Haaker, Inc. in the amount of $876,368.58 and appropriate $876,368.58 from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
Summary:
Staff are recommending the purchase of an all-electric 2025 model year McNeilus Volterra solid waste demonstrator side loader truck. After extensive research and comparisons of capable models, including reference work of other operators in California, staff is confident in the performance of the electric truck and its ability to do the work of the City's standard internal combustion alternatives. Coupled with the available incentives from the Air Board and HVIP to lower the upfront capital cost, the timing is optimal to purchase and pilot this all-electric model. The fact that the truck could be repaired in Tulare as needed, is also an asset.
Background Discussion:
The State of California and the California Air Resources Board have mandated that State and local agencies begin converting their heavy-duty fleets to zero-emission beginning January 1, 2024. Currently, there are two effective options, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Unfortunately, low-emission Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) does not qualify towards meeting the mandated regulation. Due to the lack of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles entering the market, battery-electric technolo...
Click here for full text