The board of the Metro Vancouver regional government is set to vote on a $6.5 million contract for the purchase of electric vehicles.

The contract covers five years and is proposed to be awarded to Metro Motors Ltd.

“Metro Motors Ltd. provides access to the only major manufacturer, Ford Motor Company, able to offer road-ready battery electric vehicle pick-up trucks and panel vans,” says a report included in the agenda Friday (May 27) of the Metro Vancouver board.

In addition to battery electric vehicles (BEV), the company also offers plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), and hybrid vehicles.

Under the contract, Metro Motors will “supply and deliver light and medium duty vehicles on an ‘as and when needed’ basis”.

The report explained that the regional government operates a fleet of 850 units, which includes on-road vehicles, heavy duty equipment, off-road vehicles, off-road equipment, and water craft.

About 340 or 40 percent of the fleet are light and medium duty work vehicles, which fall within the scope of the contract.

“Electrifying the fleet is a key initiative for Metro Vancouver to reduce fleet greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet Climate 2050 and Clean Air Plan targets,” the report noted.

The contract provides an option for two one-year extensions.

“Should the extensions be exercised the estimated total value of the contract would be $11,300,000 (exclusive of taxes),” the report stated.