San Antonio Water System officials said May 8 that the agency’s conservation department recently received six fully electric Chevrolet Bolts as part of a fleet electrification study being supported by CPS Energy.

SAWS officials said their staff will use the Bolts to conduct free irrigation consultations with customers across the community.

According to a news release, SAWS’ water resources leak detection department will also receive two E-Transit vans to support field investigations this summer when leaks are at their highest levels. An additional five Ford Lightnings are expected to arrive in 2024.

SAWS officials said their organization has already installed several Level 2 charging stations for fleet use at headquarters.

Additionally, with support from a 2022 grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Alternative Fueling Facilities Program, the SAWS has added another two charging stations for free public use, also at its headquarters at 2800 N. US 281.



The charging stations are one of SAWS’ contributions to the San Antonio Climate Ready, Action and Adaptation Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, officials with the water utility said.

SAWS officials said the fleet electrification study being conducted with CPS Energy and energy company NextEra Energy will help CPS Energy plan their infrastructure needs as other large organizations consider converting their fleets to electric to reduce carbon emissions as well as determine sustainability outcomes.

SAWS officials also said as their organization seeks to switch some of their light-duty vehicles to electric, the study will also help identify where it makes sense to implement those electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure.

SAWS’ fleet maintains a total of more than 1,300 vehicles, including construction and specialized equipment, such as excavators and concrete trucks, the release states.