August 15, 2026
San Rafael City Council
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
RE: Consent Calendar Item 2.i (Purchase of Fleet Vehicles) Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
Sustainable San Rafael and Cool the Earth / Ride and Drive Clean applaud the City's leadership in transportation electrification. Committing to four EVs in this purchase reflects follow-through on San Rafael's climate goals. The staff report states the City's policy of purchasing EVs whenever possible, and in that spirit, we ask Council to consider further electrification in this purchase.
Our Request: Electrify the Police Administrative Vehicles and Motorcycles As proposed, the purchase includes two gas-powered police administrative vehicles (a sedan and an SUV) and several motorcycles. We respectfully urge Council to ask staff whether zero-emission options were considered for these vehicles, and if so, why they were ruled out.
Unlike patrol units, administrative vehicles and motorcycles, with their short daily range and predictable duty cycles, are well suited to electrification. We see no operational barrier, and several good reasons to make the switch:
• Lower total cost of ownership: rebates bring purchase price to near parity, and EVs offer significantly lower fueling and maintenance costs to save money over time. • Visible climate leadership: a police department running zero-emission vehicles is a credible, everyday demonstration of the City's climate commitments. Why not lead? • Strong performance: EVs offer excellent handling, acceleration, and maneuverability. • Quieter, cleaner operations: less noise and no tailpipe emissions for the officers and the residents of the neighborhoods these vehicles serve.
Given these cost, performance, and leadership benefits, we ask that Council direct staff to source zero-emission alternatives for these vehicles.
Thank you for your consideration, and for your continued leadership on fleet electrification.
Respectfully,
Annika Osborn
Annika Osborn
Co-Chair, Sustainable San Rafael & Director of Programs, Cool the Earth / Ride and Drive Clean