Orland Park officials are having some fun with math.
The village earmarked $230,000 to replace a Public Works dump truck.
It plans on purchasing an all-electric truck and charging equipment from Mokena-based CIT Trucks for $721,740.
And it will still come under budget.
Thanks to a grant from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, the village will only be on the hook for 25% of the cost for a Kenworth T88OE Class 8 electric truck – about $180,435.
Public Works Director Joel VanEssen said a new gas-powered truck would cost between $300,000 and $350,000.
The new vehicle will replace a 2004 Sterling L7501 truck.
“This particular truck is the main truck that hauls the digging equipment when we have water main breaks,” Van Essen said of the Sterling. “It has a lot of time and mileage on the vehicle and it’s over 20 years old.”
So, what will the village get for its money?
It will feature a dedicated level 3DC fast charging station, which will be installed by the Public Works Department. VanEssen said that’s essential to ensuring quick turnaround times without disrupting workflows.
The Public Works Department does not have any electrical vehicles, but if that changes, the hope is that the charging station will work on more than just the Kenworth truck.
VanEssen is satisfied with the use it will get between charges.
“We wanted to make sure there was enough mileage between charges and it’s over 200 miles,” he said. “We should be very good for our village.”
Battery life and a warranty for the battery is still unknown but VanEssen said staff mechanics will be trained to work on the battery if something goes wrong.
“It’s certainly worth doing,” Mayor James Dodge said of purchasing the package. “It will be interesting to see what our experience is with it.
“In the moment, you need a fast charge. The snow is flying. The whole shot. Let’s see how well that battery holds up in this climate.”
In the fall, there will be a contest to name the new truck.