Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Purchase of Four 2026 Rivian R1S Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from Rivian LLC in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $426,216.06, with Aftermarket Equipment from Patrol EV for Amounts Not-to-Exceed $79,521.33; Seventeen 2026 Ford Interceptor Hybrid SUVs from Town Ford for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,112,125.78 with Aftermarket Equipment from Kerr Industries in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $351,682.12; and Radio Equipment Installation from Metro Mobile Communications for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $25,367.20. (Public Works)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Twenty-five frontline Alameda Police and Fire Department vehicles have reached the end of their useful life and require replacement in accordance with Administrative Policy 48, the City of Alameda’s (City) Vehicle Fleet Replacement Policy.
While the public safety electric vehicle (EV) market continues to evolve, staff recommends a mixed fleet approach, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles, for frontline Police and Fire operations. This approach balances greenhouse gas reduction goals with operational needs and allows time for the market to mature, charging infrastructure to be expanded, and departments to adapt to electric vehicle operations.
Of the 25 vehicles scheduled for replacement, six are assigned to the Alameda Fire Department (AFD). Staff recommends replacing two of these vehicles with Rivian R1S electric SUVs and deferring replacement of the remaining four vehicles to Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27. This delay will allow for the availability of new electric models, particularly extended-range options such as the redesigned Ford F-150 Lightning.
The remaining nineteen vehicles are assigned to the Alameda Police Department (APD). Staff recommends replacing two of these vehicles with Rivian R1S electric SUVs and the remaining seventeen with 2026 Ford Interceptor Hybrid SUVs.
All vehicles will require installation of aftermarket equipment, including emergency lighting, sirens, and communications systems. Vendors are selected based on vehicle type and equipment compatibility.
Staff recommends approval of the following purchases:
• Four (4) 2026 Rivian R1S SUVs from Rivian, LLC, in an amount not-to-exceed $426,216.06, with aftermarket equipment from Patrol EV in an amount not-to-exceed $79,521.29;
• Seventeen (17) 2026 Ford Interceptor Hybrid SUVs from Town Ford in an amount not-to-exceed $1,101,432.26, with aftermarket equipment from Kerr Industries in an amount not-to-exceed $351,682.12; and
• Installation of communication equipment by Metro Mobile Communications in an amount not-to-exceed $25,367.20.
BACKGROUND
AFD, APD and Fleet Services are responsible for replacing vehicles in accordance with the Fleet Replacement Policy, which establishes the replacement criteria based on age, mileage (or hours), and usage.
Funding for replacement of twenty-five APD and AFD vehicles was approved by City Council as part of the FY 2025-26 budget.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation in April 2023, requiring a phased transition to zero-emission vehicles for certain fleets. While emergency response vehicles are largely exempt due to operational needs, the regulation establishes a long-term direction toward electrification.
The City’s Fleet Replacement Policy also prioritizes alternative fuel vehicles where feasible. For police pursuit vehicles, the policy specifies the use of hybrid vehicles until electric models meet operational requirements.
In accordance with City Administrative Instruction No. 5 (Purchasing Policy), vehicle purchases may be made through cooperative purchasing, piggybacking, or sole source procurement when justified. City Council approval is required for purchases exceeding $75,000 from a single vendor in a fiscal year.
DISCUSSION
Mixed Fleet Strategy
Currently, staff recommends a mixed fleet approach for APD and AFD to balance sustainability goals with operational reliability.
Public safety vehicles have unique and critical requirements, including continuous availability, rapid response, and the ability to operate under high loads with specialized equipment (e.g., lights, radios, onboard systems). While EV technology continues to advance, current limitations, such as range variability and charging time, can constrain operational readiness in certain use cases.
A mixed fleet approach provides:
• Operational reliability: Ensures that critical emergency response functions are not impacted by current EV limitations, particularly for long shifts, high idle times, and unpredictable duty cycles.
• Technology transition: Allows departments to gain experience with EVs while maintaining proven vehicle platforms for mission-critical operations.
• Infrastructure readiness: Provides time to expand fleet charging infrastructure to support broader electrification.
• Market flexibility: Allows the City to take advantage of improving EV technology and expanded model availability over time, particularly for specialized public safety vehicles.
• Risk management: Reduces reliance on a single vehicle technology during a period of rapid market and regulatory change.
Vehicle Replacement Plan
Fire Department (6 vehicles):
• Replace 2 vehicles with Rivian R1S EVs
• Defer 4 vehicles to FY 2026-27 pending improved EV options
Police Department (19 vehicles):
• Replace 2 vehicles with Rivian R1S EVs
• Replace 17 vehicles with Ford Interceptor Hybrid SUVs
Rivian Vehicle Selection
Rivian vehicles have been adopted by multiple public-sector agencies, including Caltrans, CAL FIRE, Contra Costa Fire Protection District and various law enforcement agencies, demonstrating suitability for emergency and field operations. These agencies selected Rivian based on regulatory compliance, durability, and operational capability. Rivian offers a CARB-compliant, all-wheel-drive electric platform with adjustable ground clearance of up to approximately 14.9 inches, exceeding the 10-11 inches typically required to safely traverse curbs, uneven terrain, and shallow urban flooding. The vehicles also feature protected battery systems designed for wet conditions, making them well suited for coastal and storm-prone environments such as Alameda. Compared to other EV options, Rivian provides strong and consistent operational performance. The Rivian SUV offers an estimated range of up to 420 miles, compared to approximately 300-320 miles for the discontinued Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ford Lightning. While the Chevrolet Silverado EV advertises competitive range, its battery platform and vehicle configuration have changed across recent model years, creating challenges for fleet standardization, long-term maintenance planning, and upfitting consistency. Additionally, the Silverado EV’s larger battery pack results in longer charging times, reducing operational flexibility for staff use.
Importantly, Rivian offers public-sector response packages, standardized upfitting options, and installation guidelines specifically designed for government and emergency service fleets. These programs streamline procurement, reduce customization time, control installation costs, and improve deployment readiness.
Ford Interceptor Hybrid Vehicle Selection
The Ford Interceptor Hybrid has been widely adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide and is a proven platform for patrol operations. It is specifically designed for police use, including compatibility with emergency lighting, communications equipment, and extended idling associated with patrol duties.
While fully electric police pursuit vehicles are still emerging, hybrid vehicles provide a practical and reliable interim solution. The hybrid platform offers improved fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles, while maintaining the performance, range, and operational flexibility required for public safety.
Selecting hybrid vehicles now allows the City to make measurable progress toward its climate goals while maintaining operational readiness. This approach also provides flexibility to transition to fully electric police vehicles as technology matures and additional models become available that meet public safety requirements.
Deferred Fire Department Vehicles
Staff recommends deferring replacement of four AFD vehicles to FY 2026-27. This approach allows the City to take advantage of rapidly evolving electric vehicle technology, particularly the anticipated availability of extended-range electric models better suited for public safety applications. By delaying these purchases, the City can evaluate next-generation models expected to offer improved performance, longer range, and greater suitability for emergency response operations.
Procurement Strategy
Ford Interceptor Hybrids:
Pricing for the 2026 Ford Interceptor Hybrid SUV is available through National Auto Fleet’s Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement (Contract No. 091521-NAF), which was competitively bid in accordance with state procurement requirements. Under this agreement, the per-unit cost is $67,646.99 (Exhibit 1).
Staff also solicited pricing from a local dealer, Town Ford, which provided a lower per-unit cost of $61,373.63 (Exhibit 2). This represents savings of $6,273.36 per vehicle, or approximately $106,647 in total. In addition to the seventeen vehicles at the quoted per unit cost, thirteen of the vehicles require the doors be painted white at $2,000 per vehicle. See Table 1 below. Based on this cost advantage, staff recommends a sole source purchase of the seventeen Ford Interceptor Hybrid SUVs from Town Ford in an amount not-to-exceed $1,112,125.78, which includes the door painting and a 4% contingency on the total purchase amount. While staff intends to purchase 2026 models, if they are not available the contingency will be used for any increase in cost to purchase 2027 Ford Interceptor Hybrid models. The Bureau of Labor statistics published 3.5% inflation for vehicles in 2025.
The Ford Interceptor Hybrid vehicles require installation of specialized aftermarket equipment, including emergency lighting and control systems. Kerr Industries is a long-standing vendor with demonstrated expertise in emergency vehicle upfitting and has previously provided high-quality, cost-effective installations for APD.
Kerr Industries works directly with Ford through an integrated upfitting program, allowing equipment to be installed prior to delivery while maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty. Due to the need for standardization, compatibility with Ford systems, and prior successful performance, staff recommends a sole source procurement with Kerr Industries. There are three different upfit packages based on whether the vehicle is a patrol, police supervisor or watch commander. See Table 1 below. Exhibit 3 contains the quoted per unit pricing from Kerr for each of the upfit packages. Staff recommends City Council approve this purchase from Kerr industries an amount not-to-exceed $351,682.12, including a 3% contingency. Contingency will only be used for any necessary changes or possibly missed items
In addition to the aftermarket equipment installation, the new Ford Interceptor Hybrid vehicles require installation of existing APD communication equipment. Metro Mobile Communications is a long-standing vendor with specialized knowledge of APD’s radio and communication systems. The existing radios will be removed from current vehicles and reinstalled in the new units. Due to the need for system compatibility and continuity, staff recommends a sole source procurement from Metro Mobile Communications in an amount not-to-exceed $25,367.20, including a 3% contingency. Contingency will only be used, as necessary, for unanticipated items. (Exhibit 4).
Table 1. For Interceptor Hybrid Summary Table
|
Model |
Role |
Town Ford |
Kerr Upfit Cost |
Metro Mobile Radios |
|
|
|
Vehicle cost |
Paint Doors White |
|
|
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Patrol |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$22,021.83 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Police Supervisor |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$21,030.65 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Police Supervisor |
$61,373.63 |
$2,000.00 |
$21,030.65 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Watch Commander |
$61,373.63 |
|
$14,284.38 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Watch Commander |
$61,373.63 |
|
$14,284.38 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Watch Commander |
$61,373.63 |
|
$14,284.38 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Ford Interceptor Utility |
Watch Commander |
$61,373.63 |
|
$14,284.38 |
$1,296.23 |
|
Total |
$1,069,351.71 |
$341,438.95 |
$24,628.35* |
|
|
Town Ford with 4% contingency |
Kerr with 3% contingency |
Metro Mobile with 3% contingency |
|
|
$1,112,125.78 |
$351,682.12 |
$25,367.26 |
*Total includes the two additional radio installations in Table 2
Rivian Vehicles:
Rivan LLC holds the California Statewide Contract 1-25-23-01J for Alternative Fuel Vehicles. Using this pricing, the four Rivians would be a total of $430,122 (Exhibit 5). However, staff identified a lower pricing using the Rivian Direct buy program if four or more Rivians are purchased. Exhibit 6 is the Rivian Direct buy that includes both APD and AFD Rivians for $413,802 a savings of $16,320 from the Statewide Contract. Based on the cost saving, staff recommends purchasing using the Rivian Direct Buy program for a total amount not to exceed $426,216.06, which includes a 3% contingency. Contingency will only be used for unanticipated costs, if any. Rivian 2026 models are available.
The Rivian vehicles require specialized aftermarket equipment installation. Patrol EV is a Rivian-approved upfitter with specific expertise in outfitting electric emergency vehicles. Utilizing an approved vendor ensures proper installation and maintains the manufacturer’s warranty. Due to the specialized nature of the work and vendor qualifications, staff recommends a sole source procurement from Patrol EV in an amount not-to-exceed $79,521.33, including a 3% contingency (Exhibit 7).
For simplicity, the cost of the APD radio installation by Metro Mobile, which includes the two Rivians, is included in the summary table above. The two AFD Rivians also require radio equipment installation; however, instead of transferring existing equipment, the radios also require replacement. The new in-vehicle radios have long lead times and therefore staff purchased the radios this past March under the City Manager’s signing authority.
Table 2. Rivian Summary Table
|
Department |
Model |
Role |
Vehicle Cost - Rivian LLC |
Upfitting Cost - PatrolEV |
In Vehicle Radios* |
|
APD |
Rivian R1S SUV |
Staff |
$104,032.00 |
$17,022.57 |
$1,296.23 |
|
APD |
Rivian R1S SUV |
Staff |
$104,032.00 |
$17,022.57 |
$1,296.23 |
|
AFD |
Rivian R1S SUV |
Staff |
$102,869.00 |
$21,580.17 |
$15,826.21 |
|
AFD |
Rivian R1S SUV |
Staff |
$102,869.00 |
$21,580.17 |
$15,826.21 |
|
|
|
Total |
$413,802.00 |
$77,205.48 |
|
|
|
|
Total with 3% Contingency |
$426,216.06 |
$79,521.33 |
|
*Purchase previously made and not part of this staff report
Minor additional costs will be incurred for all vehicle graphics (City logo, etc). This expense is within staff signing authority and will be processed in accordance with the Purchasing Policy.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the purchases, as proposed.
• Direct staff to use alternative vendors (may delay procurement and increase costs).
• Modify the proposed mixed fleet approach
• Delay or deny purchases, which may impact Police and Fire operations due to increased maintenance and downtime
FINANCIAL IMPACT
As discussed in greater detail in the Fleet budget amendment staff report on this same agenda, cost estimates for replacement vehicles and associated equipment developed during the FY 2025-26 budget process are proving to be understated. This is due to several factors, including increased EV costs, higher upfitting expenses, and greater-than-anticipated vehicle cost inflation. Through the Fleet budget amendment, staff are requesting additional expenditure authority to support these and other scheduled vehicle replacements in FY 2025-26.
The Fleet ISF operates on a cost-recovery basis. As such, any increase in replacement costs will be allocated to user departments. These costs will be capitalized and recovered over time through depreciation charges.
There is no impact to the General Fund in the current fiscal year. However, because the General Fund supports the APD and AFD fleets, those departments will experience increased depreciation charges through cost allocation in future years.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code. This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
Alameda Municipal Power provides 100% clean electricity; therefore, the addition of four electric vehicles will result in a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the City’s fleet operations. Transitioning from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles also supports the City’s broader climate goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering overall emissions.
The Ford Interceptor Hybrid vehicles will improve fuel efficiency and reduce GHG emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered models. While not fully electric, hybrid vehicles represent a lower-emission alternative and serve as a transitional step toward further fleet electrification where fully electric options may not yet be feasible.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the purchase of four 2026 Rivian R1S SUVs from Rivian LLC in an amount not to exceed $426,216.06, with aftermarket equipment from Patrol EV for amounts not to exceed $79,521.33; and seventeen 2026 Ford Interceptor Hybrid SUVs from Town Ford for an amount not to exceed $1,112,125.78 with aftermarket equipment from Kerr Industries in an amount not to exceed $351,682.12; and radio equipment installation from Metro Mobile Communications for an amount not to exceed $25,367.20.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Director of Public Works
By,
Carlo Balboni, Fleet Supervisor
Exhibits:
1. National Auto Fleet Group Sourcewell Pricing for APD Interceptors
2. Recommended Towne Ford Quote for APD Interceptors
3. Recommended APD Interceptor Upfitting Quote- Kerr Industries
4. Recommended APD Interceptor Radio Installation -Metro Mobile Communications
5. Rivan LLC Quote per California Statewide Contract
6. Recommended Rivian LLC Quote per Direct Buy Program
7. Recommended Rivian Upfitting Quote- Patrol EV