Background

In recent years, SAWS has begun its journey toward fleet electrification in order to reduce emissions and support San Antonio’s climate action goals.

Project Description

In April of 2023, CPS Energy partnered with a consultant, NEXTera Energy, to provide a fleet electrification study for key customers, one of which included SAWS. The intent was for CPS Energy to use the results of the study to plan for future infrastructure needs as large organizations like SAWS begin electrification of their fleets. The study provided SAWS with recommended vehicle makes and models, economic comparisons between electrical vehicles vs traditional internal combustion engines, charging station cost estimates, and potential emissions reductions.

The study evaluated more than 800 SAWS fleet vehicles and identified 74 vehicles which were considered technically and economically feasible for transition to EV. This means the electric versions of the current vehicles are a suitable operational replacement and have a lower lifetime cost of ownership. The total cost of ownership associated with the 74 potential electric vehicles is just over $4.8M (with approximate 10 years of ownership).

SAWS has already begun the process of electrifying its fleet.  Currently there are twenty electric vehicles in the fleet.  This is made up of nine Chevrolet Bolts, two Ford E-Transit Vans, nine Ford lightnings, and installation of a fifteen Level II charging stations. Currently, staff is working on additional EV charging capacity (with CPS Energy), that will involve significant capacity upgrades at SAWS facilities, and procurement of additional electric vehicles as they become available.

SAWS Benefits:

  • Support of San Antonio’s climate action goals.
  • Reduced vehicle fuel and maintenance costs.
  • Estimated emissions reductions of approximately 287 metric tons of CoO2 annually (assuming electrification of the 74 internal combustion vehicles).

CPS Energy Benefits:

  • Information necessary to plan for future electrical infrastructure needs associated with upcoming electrification efforts.
  • Increased revenue associated with electricity needed for EV charging.

Notes

Because the electric vehicle market is an emerging technology SAWS will continue to monitor conditions moving forward and will adjust planning efforts accordingly. It is expected that SAWS and CPS Energy will continue to work closely to plan for the needed charging infrastructure.