HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-07-2025; 8-i - Installation of Targeted Staff Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations Before a Planned Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Study
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 7, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-i
SUBJECT: Installation of Targeted Staff Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations Before a
Planned Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Study
DEPARTMENT: County Manager
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs
Manager, (919) 245-2626
Alan Dorman, Asset Management
Services Director, (919) 245-2627
PURPOSE: To:
1. receive information regarding the need to install staff Electric Vehicle (EV) charging
stations at select County facilities ahead of the planned Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
(EVSE) study; and
2. Approve staff proceeding with the installation of targeted staff Electric Vehicle charging
stations consistent with approved budgets at the identified County facilities, and prior to
the completion of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment study, to address immediate
operational charging needs and supporting the County’s transition to an electric fleet.
BACKGROUND: When funding for the EVSE study was approved in the current fiscal year, the
Board directed staff to delay implementation of staff charging stations until after the study’s
completion. Staff have prepared a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the study and anticipate the
RFQ’s release in the next two weeks. Upon selection of a qualified firm, staff anticipate the study
will take approximately four-five months to complete.
Since then, several factors have created an immediate need for EVSE installations at specific
locations for the following reasons:
1. Fleet Expansion: The County has multiple electric vehicles on order, with delivery
expected in the near term. Without charging stations in place, these vehicles cannot be
deployed efficiently, delaying service delivery and undermining the investment already
made in the fleet.
2. Operational Productivity: Staff rely on fleet vehicles to perform essential functions across
departments. Existing charging access is insufficient and creating bottlenecks in certain
locations, limiting vehicle availability and causing scheduling inefficiencies. The locations
identified below have been prioritized to alleviate these bottlenecks, ensuring reliable
charging access and supporting efficient daily operations.
Ensuring sufficient charging infrastructure is also a performance measure within the County’s
Strategic Plan and Climate Action Plan, directly supporting the success of the EV transition.
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The following priority locations and chargers have been identified for immediate installation of staff
EV charging stations:
• Hillsborough Commons – Two (2) Level II Chargers
• Eno River Parking Deck – Four (4) Level II Chargers
• District Attorney’s Office – One (1) DC Fast Charger and One (1) Level II Charger
The current estimated budgets for the installation of the requested Electric Vehicle Charging
Stations including the necessary transformers and wiring from Duke Energy, are as follows:
• Hillsborough Commons $51,250
• Eno River Parking Deck $65,000
• District Attorney’s Office $46,000
FINANCIAL IMPACT: This item has no additional financial impact. The Board of County
Commissioners previously approved $225,000 for FY 2024 -2025 and $362,448 for FY 2025-2026
to address the construction costs related to installing the requested charging stations.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION
OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate
Action Plan
OBJECTIVE 3. Improve educational opportunities for County staff and community
members on climate action and available resources to advance climate action projects
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high -quality community safety and
emergency services to meet the community’s evolving needs.
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1. Receive information regarding the need to install staff Electric Vehicle (EV) charging
stations at select County facilities ahead of the planned Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
(EVSE) study; and
2. Approve staff proceeding with the installation of targeted staff Electric Vehicle charging
stations consistent with approved budgets at the identified County facilities, and prior to
the completion of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment study, to address immediate
operational charging needs and supporting the County’s transition to an electric fleet.
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