Fleet Electrification Study

The Town of Truro is undertaking a Fleet Electrification Study to evaluate opportunities to transition municipal vehicles from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). The study supports the Town's broader climate action objectives and aligns with the goals of the Community Energy and Emissions Plan by helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations while improving long-term operational efficiency. 

The study focuses on the Town's light- and medium-duty fleet and examines which vehicles are suitable for electrification, where charging infrastructure should be installed, and how fleet conversion can be implemented in a practical and financially responsible manner.

What the Project Will Deliver

The project is being completed in two phases.

Phase 1: Fleet Options Analysis

Phase 1, which was completed in the Fall of 2025, evaluated the Town's fleet and facilities to determine the feasibility of replacing existing vehicles with electric alternatives. The assessment reviewed vehicle usage, fleet characteristics, facility locations, operational requirements, and charging infrastructure needs. The resulting options analysis identified opportunities for fleet electrification and established a foundation for future implementation planning. 

Phase 2: Capital-Ready Implementation Planning

Building on the findings from Phase 1, Phase 2 is developing a detailed implementation framework that will:

• Establish a phased approach for fleet electrification.

• Identify priority vehicles and facilities for early conversion.

• Evaluate capital costs, operational savings, and implementation timelines.

• Prepare detailed engineering designs for EV charging infrastructure.

• Support future Council decisions, budgeting discussions, and grant applications.

• Position the Town to pursue external funding opportunities for fleet conversion and charging infrastructure. 

Phase 2 is expected to be completed in the Summer 2026. 

Financial and Environmental Benefits

The Fleet Electrification Study is designed to help the Town understand both the costs and benefits of municipal fleet conversion. The project is examining:

• Potential fuel savings.

• Reduced vehicle maintenance costs.

• Greenhouse gas emission reductions.

• Infrastructure investment requirements.

• Operational impacts and implementation risks.

• Opportunities to leverage provincial and federal funding programs.

The study will provide Council with the information needed to compare capital investments against expected operational savings and environmental benefits.

Partnerships and Funding

The project has been supported through several climate and sustainability funding initiatives. Phase 1 was fully funded through the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) Program. Phase 2 is supported through the Low Carbon Communities Fund and the QUEST Canada Net Zero Communities Accelerator Program. 

The Town is also designing the project to align with future Green Municipal Fund and other fleet electrification funding opportunities to support implementation.