Fleet
City Fleet Services
The City of Nelson’s vehicle fleet keeps our community running, from public works and bylaw enforcement to parks maintenance, emergency services, Hydro and Transit. Every day, City vehicles are out in the community supporting the delivery of essential services that residents rely on.
A Smarter, Greener Fleet
As part of our commitment to cutting emissions and building a healthier, more sustainable community, the City is transitioning to a smarter, greener fleet. As part of our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating more efficiently, the City is transitioning its fleet toward cleaner technologies. This is one of the actions identified in the Nelson Next Climate Plan, which calls for developing a green fleet policy to accelerate electrification opportunities for all City fleets and equipment.
We’re already seeing the benefits. Our growing fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles is reducing fuel use, lowering maintenance costs, and helping us cut carbon — all while keeping our city moving efficiently.
Our fleet now includes a growing number of electric and hybrid vehicles, helping to reduce fuel use, lower maintenance costs, and shrink our overall carbon footprint.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
The City currently operates several fully electric vehicles, primarily used in the Operations and Hydro Departments. These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and operate quietly, reducing air and noise pollution, and making our streets safer and cleaner for everyone.
Want to learn more about how your can electrify at home? Click here.
Parks Department:
- Polaris EV Ranger
- Ford Lightning
Public Works:
- Westward Max EV Mini-Pickup
Nelson Hydro:
- Ford Lightning
Transit:
- Chevy Bolt
- Coming soon! 2 electric city buses (estimated delivery in 2026)
Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles are used across multiple departments, providing improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while maintaining the flexibility needed for longer routes and heavier workloads. Hybrid vehicles are significantly easier on engines while idling, which is especially helpful for Nelson Police, who often have cruisers idling while they are responding to calls. Moving to hybrid cruisers has extended the life of the vehicle by an impressive five to seven years!
Nelson Hydro employs two hybrid boom trucks that utilize the JEMS (Jobsite Energy Management System). When the vehicles are in use on-site, the diesel engine shuts off and the battery runs the lift and systems. The result is significantly less noise, pollution, and exhaust fumes.
Investing in the Future
To support our EV transition, the City is also expanding its charging infrastructure, with stations located at the City Works yard, and an expansion for electric buses expected in 2026. This infrastructure ensures that City vehicles can operate efficiently while also supporting the broader adoption of electric vehicles in our community.
Sustainability and Efficiency
Modernizing the City’s fleet isn’t just about reducing emissions, it’s also about improving reliability, reducing fuel and maintenance costs, and extending vehicle lifespans. By investing in efficient, sustainable technology, the City is ensuring that our fleet operations reflect our environmental and financial responsibility goals.