The Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center (SWIJDC) and the Canyon County, Idaho, Fleet Department have implemented the use of an electric vehicle as part of a pilot program to study the effectiveness and cost saving measures of electric vehicles compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles for on-campus use, according to a release from the County.

The e-ride Industries EXV2 Patriot is a low-speed, 100% electric work truck that will be used by SWIJDC around the County campus, primarily for thrice-daily trips to the Dale Haile Detention Center to pick up meals for the juvenile detainees.  At a cost of approximately two cents a mile to operate, the EXV2 Patriot features a max speed of 25mph and can go up to 55 miles on a single charge. 

The EXV2 Patriot, which cost $18,895, will replace a 1994 Mazda B-2300 compact pickup truck that was regularly undergoing maintenance to keep it running. 

“We were constantly having maintenance issues with the Mazda because it was being used for such short trips and sitting parked most of the time, never allowing it to charge fully and the seals to be lubricated,” said Fleet Director Mark Tolman. “The new electric vehicle should drastically cut down on the time and money we spend on maintenance, which is a win-win for the county and the taxpayers.”

Tolman stated that this is the County’s first electric vehicle aside from golf carts. The vehicle will be charged with a regular plug outlet.