Contact: Meaghan Vibbert Douglas PUD
Phone: (509) 881-2221 Email: meaghan.vibbert@dcpud.org
Contact: Trina Elmes City of East Wenatchee
Phone: (509) 886-6108 Email: telmes@eastwenatcheewa.gov
News Release – November 12, 2024
East Wenatchee, WA – Douglas County PUD and the City of East Wenatchee have entered into an interlocal agreement to introduce a hydrogen-powered vehicle into the East Wenatchee Police Department’s fleet. This marks what is believed to be the first hydrogen powered police car in the nation.
The initiative is part of a broader collaboration with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Toyota. Through this partnership, Douglas County PUD received four used Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, made possible by a grant from Toyota to showcase the potential of renewable hydrogen as a clean fuel source.
“We’re excited to explore the viability of hydrogen fuel cells in our community and encourage other agencies with fleet vehicles to consider adding hydrogen-powered cars to their operations,” said Gary Ivory, General Manager of Douglas PUD.
Hearing Ivory’s encouragement for agencies to consider hydrogen vehicles, the East Wenatchee Police Chief, Rick Johnson, reached out to Ivory and a partnership began.
“The East Wenatchee Police Department’s use of the Mirai will provide valuable real-world data to help us understand the practical benefits and challenges of hydrogen technology as we continue to expand its use.”
The interlocal agreement allows the City of East Wenatchee to lease a 2019 Toyota Mirai for four years, with the price of hydrogen never surpassing the current cost of fuel. After the initial four years, the lease will automatically renew until one party decides to terminate the agreement.
East Wenatchee Police Chief Rick Johnson welcomed the opportunity to test the Toyota Mirai in the department’s fleet.
“Our department drives more miles than the PUD, so this is an ideal chance to learn from our experience. We’re eager to see how hydrogen-powered vehicles perform in a law enforcement setting and help refine the integration of hydrogen fuel cells into our operations,” Chief Johnson said.
This isn’t the first time Douglas County PUD and the City of East Wenatchee have collaborated on innovative transportation solutions. In 2023, the agencies partnered on an electric fleet vehicle infrastructure pilot project, where the East Wenatchee Police Department integrated a fully electric vehicle into their fleet.
“We’ve already seen significant success with the Ford Lightning EV truck,” Chief Johnson said. “It costs about $3 per shift to charge, compared to $50–$70 per shift for traditional fuel. These types of opportunities help us explore new options that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.”
East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford, expressed her appreciation for the partnership.
“We value our relationship with Douglas County PUD and together we’re making important strides that will help improve efficiency and reduce our environmental impact, paving the way for a brighter future for our community,” said Mayor Crawford.
Additionally, the construction of a renewable hydrogen production facility near Baker Flats is progressing, with commercial production expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025. The facility aims to produce hydrogen efficiently from renewable resources, helping reduce maintenance costs at the Wells Hydroelectric Project.
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The City of East Wenatchee, WA is the largest city in Douglas County. Incorporated in 1935, East Wenatchee is the landing site of Miss Veedol, the first nonstop, trans-Pacific flight. East Wenatchee sits on the Columbia River and boasts of outdoor recreation, year-round, in Central Washington. For more information, please visit the City’s website: EastWenatcheeWa.gov.