Dedham Surges Forward On Electric Car, Charging Stations

DEDHAM, MA - Town Manager Leon Goodwin announced at Thursday's Select Board meeting that the town was able to purchase a 2021 black Nissan Leaf electric car from the state's bid list.

The allocation of $20,000 for the vehicle previously was approved at Town Meeting. In addition, Goodwin said the town also received a $7,500 state grant toward the purchase.

"It's going to be a prominently lettered town vehicle that advertises the fact that it's zero emissions," Goodwin said. It will be used by both the Planning Department and Conservation Department for site visits.

He noted that several communities, including New Bedford, "are leading the charge" on using electric vehicles, with about 20 already in New Bedford's fleet.

"They're saving thousands of dollars on fuel," Goodwin noted. "And they're pulling CO2 out of the atmosphere. It's a technology that is finally coming into its own."

Through a state program, Goodwin said that charging stations are in the works for Town Hall. Some also are planned for the new public safety building, which is currently under construction and is expected to open next fall.

"It will be a convenience to the town to be able to charge there, as well as to the residents," he added. He said they will be lower-level charging stations, not the higher-powered chargers than can fuel a car in 15 minutes for a 200-mile trip.

"We're doing our part not to warm up the environment quite as fast as we are," Goodwin said.