The Victoria (British Columbia) Fire Department has deployed five 2020 Chevrolet Bolt LT electric vehicles (EVs). Referred to as FireBolts, the vehicles will replace three, small gas-powered pick-up trucks and two mid-size SUVs previously used by the Fire Prevention Division.

To support this new EV fleet, two Level 2 chargers have been installed at the Victoria Fire Department headquarters. Thanks to the estimated 280 miles range per battery charge, the FireBolts are not at risk of running out of range while performing their duties. The Fire Prevention Division will use the EVs to travel to various locations throughout the city to conduct fire safety inspections and deliver community safety education sessions.

The procurement of new fleet vehicles is managed by the city’s Engineering and Public Works Department which is also in the process of developing the city’s Green Fleet Plan in 2021. This Plan will provide clear direction on actions and policies required to support the widespread transition of the city’s fleet from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles to EVs and other renewably fueled transportation alternatives.

The addition of the new EVs supports the city’s Climate Leadership Plan target that “by 2040, 80% of the city fleet is electrified or renewably powered.” With the addition of the FireBolts, the city now has 16 EVs and five e-bikes as part of its fleet.