Port of Oakland - Newsroom

OAKLAND, Calif, (December 3, 2002) - The Port of Oakland paraded its new electric vehicles through Jack London Square Tuesday, the latest step in its larger commitment to sustainability. The Board of Port Commissioners’ President Frank Kiang introduced the newest members of the alternative-fuel vehicle fleet during a lunchtime demonstration.

Some 30 sporty, neighborhood electric vehicles, a donation from the Ford Motor Co., are joining the operations at the Port’s Aviation and Maritime divisions.

“The Port of Oakland is delighted to add 30 electrical vehicles to its existing fleet of alternative fuel vehicles,” Kiang said at the noon-hour press conference attended by members of the Port Commission, Oakland City Councilwoman Nancy Nadel and several members of local neighborhood and environmental-interest groups.

“This is a great way for us to reduce emissions by incorporating them into our transportation needs at both the airport and seaport,” Kiang said.

The rechargeable battery-powered cars can accelerate up to 25 mph and carry up to four passengers. They emit no pollution and are expected to replace several gasoline-powered cars and trucks now being used at the airport and marine harbor operations.

Two years ago, the Board of Port Commissioners adopted a sustainability policy that implemented organization-wide principles to guide Port policy regarding environmental impacts, stewardship, improvement and restoration.

Today the Board of Port Commissioners will be considering an item to approve revising the Port's Auto Policy. Port staff is proposing changes that would enhance the Port's triple-bottom line by not adding new gas-powered sedans for the foreseeable future (two years) to the Port's fleet.

The policy would provide an option for increased use of electric, CNG and other alternative fuel vehicles. This will reduce expenses and at the same time reduce harmful emissions. It is estimated that the proposed changes will save more than $50,000 from the Port’s Operating Budget, and approximately $500,000 from the Port’s Capital Equipment Budget over the next two years.

“Our triple bottom-line approach of economic vitality, environmental responsibility and social equity creates the framework for sustainability,” said Port Director Tay Yoshitani. “We believe the port industry will only succeed through this balanced method building for present generations in ways that do not compromise the needs of future generations,” he said.

The Port’s new NEVs are considered viable alternatives for short trips within the Port area and around town when gasoline-powered engines produce their highest amounts of emissions. The NEVs can travel distances up to 35 miles before the batteries need an eight-hour recharge. The fun, golf-cart-like vehicles join the 17 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles already in use at Oakland International Airport. The CNG cars and trucks - which include a Honda Civic, a Toyota Camry, a Ford F-150 and a bus - use a compressed natural gas that is clean-burning and generates significantly fewer emissions than regular gasoline.

“This is a good step toward improving air quality and raising the public awareness about alternative fuel vehicles,” Councilwoman Nadel said.

The use of zero-emission electric cars is another link in the Port’s chain of air quality improvement efforts where it has already committed nearly $9 million . The addition of NEVs also reflect the Port’s on-going commitment to sustainability.


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