Georgia City Putting EV to the Test

Tybee Island employees have been trying out an electric vehicle to decide if the city should move forward with EVs in the future.

The EV, a 2013 Nissan Leaf on loan from Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols, is being tested out for about a month, according to a story from WTOC. 

“This test drive that we’re doing this month has been kind of an eyeopener for us and we’re a little closer to saying ‘yes, this might work on Tybee,’” Owens said in the story.

The vehicle's speed, smooth riding, and battery life have been positive factors for those who have driven it so far. Owens stated that parking enforcement and code enforcement are two areas that could benefit from an EV. 

For Code Enforcement Officer Mac McLain's test drive in the Leaf, this was the first time he'd operated an EV. 

“I do more street-side stuff than a lot of our officers. They spend more time on the beach. I think that we could do our job more economically because of the fuel cost for the city,” McLain was quoted saying. 

The city installed its first DC fast charging stations in April for visitors and residents. According to what Owens told the news outlet, Tybee Island's current fleet of gas vehicles are paid for with their capital budget, which would also cover any EVs added. WTOC reported that if and when the EVs are added, cost coverage would be done over a few budget cycles. 

The city is expected to return the vehicle within the week. However, no date has been announced for any decision making regarding moving forward with EVs in the fleet.