Sustainability and Energy Action Plan

TRANSPORTATION GRANTS PASS SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN T-1-3. Transition Heavier Duty/ Construction Vehicles to ZEVs Current technology is limited when it comes to alternatives for heavy duty vehicles with sizeable lift or hauling requirements. However, by 2040 ,technology will likely have reached a point where it is possible to transition these vehicles to ZEVs as well, whether due to improved battery technology, the rollout of renewable hydrogen, or something else entirely. A review of such technology should be included in the vehicle replacement selection process . T-1-4. Transition Fire Apparatus to ZEVs Fire apparatus present a significant challenge for transitioning to ZEVs and are therefore the last stage for ZEV conversion. While some vehicles (like inspector vehicles) used by the Fire Department are general purpose vehicles suitable for immediate conversion, the vast majority of the City's fire apparatus is heavy duty, sizeable vehicles that must reach high speeds (somethinghydrogen fuels are not suitable for).61 Furthermore, fire apparatus must be able to remain in remote areas of the community for extended periods of time, supplying enough power for both the vehicle and equipment on board to run continuously. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) local union should be consulted to ensure firefighters feel confident about a vehicle’s ability to keep them safe and out of harm’s way in wildland firefighting situations. Significant progress is needed to meet the rigorous requirements of rural firefighting, but trends in the zero-emission technology field indicate that transitioning all fire apparatus may eventually be possible. 59