The City of Cathedral City has taken decisive steps toward the future with the City Council’s approval of two major initiatives at their March 26, 2025, meeting: upgrading public charging infrastructure and adding electric vehicles to the city’s fleet.
Modernizing Public Charging Infrastructure
The City Council has approved the replacement of four aging Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations in the downtown parking structure with new pay-to-use models. Originally installed 12 years ago when no other public charging was available in Cathedral City, these stations were offered free of charge to encourage EV adoption.
“The landscape has evolved dramatically since we first installed these chargers,” said Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation Manager, during her presentation to the Council.
The approved plan adopts Option 2 from EV Range, which includes four single-port Level 2 chargers at a cost of $14,800. This option was selected over a more expensive ChargePoint proposal and a no-cost option where the provider would retain all revenue.
Expanding the City’s EV Fleet
In the same meeting, the Council also approved the purchase of the city’s first all-electric work vehicles – three 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV 2WT trucks at a total cost of $194,655.69. These vehicles will serve the Facilities, Public Works Maintenance, and Environmental Divisions.
“Electric vehicles are a necessary component in the city’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint,” Pressgrove explained in her presentation. “These trucks represent the future of our municipal fleet.”
The approved electric trucks offer numerous advantages over traditional vehicles:
- 9.6-9.8% lower purchase price compared to diesel or gasoline models
- Reduced maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts
- Greater energy efficiency and lower operating expenses
- 280 miles of range per charge
- Compliance with state environmental mandates
Creating a Comprehensive EV Ecosystem
The City’s approach combines public access with internal fleet management. Jessup Chevrolet will include three complimentary Level 2 charging stations with the truck purchase, which will be installed at city facilities for municipal use.
Meanwhile, the upgraded public stations will feature:
- User payment systems for energy consumed
- Idle time charges to prevent parking abuse
- Usage monitoring and monthly reporting
- Universal chargers compatible with multiple software providers
“These investments align with our strategic goal of community investment and environmental sustainability,” said John Corella, Director of Public Works. “We’re building infrastructure that serves both the public and city operations while reducing our carbon footprint.”
Looking to the Future
With these approvals, Cathedral City officials can now proceed with implementation, likely beginning in the coming weeks. The public charging stations will be monitored to evaluate usage patterns and determine if additional capacity is needed, while the performance of the electric trucks will inform future fleet electrification efforts.
“By leading through example,” Pressgrove noted, “Cathedral City demonstrates its commitment to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options while gaining both financial and operational benefits.”
The approval of these initiatives marks a significant milestone in Cathedral City’s journey toward sustainable transportation and reduced emissions, positioning the city as a leader in municipal adoption of electric vehicle technology in the Coachella Valley.
