Riverside Utility Board Recommends $1.7M Electric Truck Purchase from Local Manufacturer

The Riverside Board of Public Utilities unanimously recommended that the City Council approve the purchase of 10 electric trucks from Voltu Motor Inc. for $1.74 million at its June 23 meeting, marking a significant step in the city’s fleet electrification efforts while supporting a new local manufacturer.

The Voltu 3 electric trucks will replace aging diesel vehicles used by Riverside Public Utilities field operations. While the total purchase price is $1.74 million, the city will pay a net cost of $906,398 after applying $837,852 in replacement funding from the general fund. The vehicles are expected to deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits while supporting local job creation.

“This purchase represents our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility while directly benefiting our ratepayers,” said Tracy Sato, RPU’s assistant general manager for strategic initiatives.

The electric trucks produce zero tailpipe emissions and will help the city comply with California’s Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) regulation, which requires 50% of new heavy-duty vehicle purchases to be zero-emission through 2027.

The economic advantages are equally compelling. Each electric truck costs 7.5 cents per mile to operate compared to 62 cents per mile for equivalent gas-powered vehicles, generating savings of 54.5 cents per mile. With RPU’s F-350 trucks averaging more than 800 miles monthly, fuel savings alone will exceed $54,000 per vehicle over 10 years.

Maintenance costs will drop 30–40% annually due to electric vehicles having fewer moving parts, eliminating oil changes and reducing wear on brake systems. Jessica Gordon, deputy general services director, told the board that current F-350 maintenance averages $1,000 per truck annually in labor costs alone, not including parts and fuel.

The deal also strengthens Riverside’s economic development goals. The Argentina-based company selected Riverside as its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in October 2024, drawn by California’s status as the largest electric vehicle market and the Inland Empire’s logistical advantages. Voltu plans to manufacture both electric vehicles and lithium cell batteries at its Riverside facility.

The Voltu 3 represents a technological breakthrough as the first heavy-duty all-electric pickup truck in the United States that isn’t a cabover design (where the cab sits over the engine). Built on a Ford F-350 chassis with Voltu’s proprietary electric powertrain, it delivers a 350-mile range, 17,000-pound towing capacity, and four-wheel-drive capabilities while maintaining the familiar feel of a traditional Ford truck for operators.

Board members emphasized the importance of thorough testing before final delivery. “It would be great to know if the operators of the ops and field crews have had an opportunity to take these for a test drive and see if it actually works for them,” said board member Pete Wol. RPU has requested a demonstration vehicle for field crew evaluation before delivery.

The purchase supports California’s ambitious climate goals and positions Riverside as a leader in clean technology adoption. The ACF regulation requires municipalities to transition to zero-emission vehicles, with the requirement increasing to 100% of new purchases after 2027. All government agencies remain subject to the rule despite the federal EPA not issuing waivers for private fleets.

The 10 electric trucks will serve various RPU divisions: one for electric operations, two for electric field operations, one for generation, three for water operations, and three for water field operations. All vehicles being replaced meet the city’s criteria for replacement, including 10–15 years of service, over 100,000 miles, or maintenance costs exceeding replacement value.

The financial structure requires City Council approval for a supplemental appropriation of $837,852 from the Central Garage Account, with the remaining $906,398 funded from existing electric and water division accounts. The purchase requires no upfront payment, with the city paying only upon vehicle delivery and Voltu’s Riverside facility becoming operational.

Voltu will provide warranty coverage for the entire vehicle, including Ford components, since the electric powertrain modification voids Ford’s original warranty. The company has also committed to providing comprehensive service support and training for city mechanics, ensuring long-term operational success.

The recommendation builds on the City Council’s November 2024 authorization of a preorder for 20 Voltu vehicles at a locked-in price of $125,000 per unit. The current recommendation covers the first 10 vehicles, with delivery planned for January 2026 contingent on Voltu securing its manufacturing facility.

This purchase represents Riverside’s broader commitment to sustainability while demonstrating how environmental responsibility can align with economic development and fiscal prudence. The recommendation now moves to the City Council for final approval.