The city fleet in Round Rock, Texas, will soon have nine Ford Lightning electric pickup trucks — the city's first ever purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). According to a news release, the Round Rock City Council approved the purchase at a meeting this week.

The one-time, $490,000 purchase will replace existing vehicles as a part of the city’s scheduled fleet replacement process. The vehicles being replaced range from 11 to 21 years old, with odometer readings between 90,000 and 124,000 miles.

The EV purchase is part of the city's effort to transition to an eventual all-electric fleet to enhance operational efficiency, take advantage of long-term cost savings, and reduce environmental impacts, according to the release.

Due to supply chain issues, delay in delivery is expected. The city expects to receive the trucks within six months to one year. 

During the time from purchase to vehicle delivery, the city will continue work to complete the first phase of EV charging infrastructure installation at municipal facilities across Round Rock. Level 2 EV chargers will be accessible to city fleet vehicles at each assigned location.