The Victoria Fire Department has taken a big step in helping the city’s fleet transition to electric, deploying five Chevy Bolt EVs this week.
Referred to as FireBolts, the new EVs will be replacing three gas-powered pickup trucks and two mid-size SUVs used by the department’s Fire Prevention Division.
“Victoria is transitioning our City fleet to electric and these new additions to the Fire Department are another great step in this work,” said Mayor Lisa Helps. “Greater Victoria has the highest percentage of EV sales in Canada and the City is excited to lead by example by transitioning our own fleet.”
The fleet of Firebolts will be used to travel to various locations throughout the city to conduct fire safety inspections and deliver community safety education sessions, according to a city news release.
To support the electric fleet, the City has also installed two level 2 chargers at the Victoria Fire Department Headquarters on Yates Street.
With the addition of the FireBolts, the City now has 16 EVs and five e-bikes as part of its fleet. By 2040, it plans to have 80% of its fleet be electric or powered by renewable energy.