<\/p>\n
Montezuma County took delivery of three new electric vehicles in January as part of an effort to reduce fuel and maintenance costs.<\/p>\n
After a year of research, the county purchased three 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EVs to replace three older gasoline SUVs. The front-wheel drive electric vehicles cost $30,100 each.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was the most practical decision for replacement vehicles for certain departments,\u201d said Commissioner Jim Candelaria. \u201cNot having fuel costs and oil changes will be a savings for taxpayers. Maintenance on these is pretty minimal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new cars will be used by the Social Services, Information Technology and Health departments.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes sense for those departments because they mostly travel around town and occasionally drive the highway to a nearby town,\u201d said county Administrator Shak Powers.<\/p>\n
During a test drive at the county fairgrounds racetrack, county staff showed off attributes and explained the technology under the hood.<\/p>\n
The Chevy Bolts have a range of 259 miles and have 200 horsepower, said county fleet manager Shane Higman.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have more power than people might think, more than regular cars this size,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The battery-powered electric engine is recharged when the vehicle travels downhill. A dashboard meter shows how much power has been used and calculates how many miles are left on the charge.<\/p>\n
During one 30-mile test drive traveling uphill, downhill and on flat road sections, total battery power depleted showed net zero.<\/p>\n
As the battery drains off, power to the vehicle does not diminish, Higman said.<\/p>\n
At the end of the day, the Bolts are plugged into a 220-volt charging station at the administration building or county annex. They fully recharge after 10 hours.<\/p>\n
If needed midtrip, charging stations for electric vehicles are in Mancos, Rico, Mesa Verde National Park and Durango.<\/p>\n
The county is working with Empire Electric Association to install a Level 1 fast charger in Cortez for public use. A phone app is available that shows locations of charging stations across the state.<\/p>\n
Changing cultural perceptions that electric cars are weak has been a bit of a hurdle locally, Higman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have advanced quite a lot. There was some skepticism with the staff, but after taking a drive, they like them. They drive and accelerate like any other vehicle,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Besides being efficient, their zero emissions also benefit the environment and reduce the county\u2019s carbon footprint, Candelaria said.<\/p>\n
Officials said there is a niche in county government for electric vehicles, but it doesn\u2019t mean they will replace four-wheel drive trucks, diesel-powered plows, and heavy equipment needed to negotiate rough roads and take care of the county.<\/p>\n
During recent meetings, county commissioners have reported plans to install solar panels on county buildings thanks to the affordability of leasing agreements.<\/p>\n
The new panels will reduced the county electric bill and also help charge the new electric vehicles, commissioners said.<\/p>\n
There can be a tendency for some to make renewable energy and even electric vehicles as a political issue, for or against, Candelaria said, but he believes the notion is misplaced.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it is practical is what matters, if a cost-benefit shows it saves money why not harness the opportunity?\u201d Candelaria said.<\/p>\n