Geelong council switches to hybrids

The council has five hybrid cars and recently put in an order for a further 19, all of which are Toyotas.

The city’s director of city services Guy Wilson-Browne said the council was looking to lead by example.

“Our investment in electric hybrid vehicles and associated infrastructure will help us cut our own carbon emissions and encourage others to reduce their own environmental footprint.

“Connecting greater Geelong to the national electric vehicle charging station network is an important step towards meeting our community’s Clever and Creative vision.”

With the expected uptake of electric vehicles (EV), the city is looking to invest in infrastructure to encourage their use.

There are EV charging stations at Cunningham Pier in Geelong, the Leopold Community Hub and the Armstrong Creek East Hub.

The council also plans to have EV charging infrastructure at the Civic Precinct, which is set to be built at Mercer Street.

The council is looking to purchase fully electric vehicles themselves in the future. This forms part of the council’s Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy, which was endorsed in April 2017.

Mr Wilson-Browne emphasised that this new fleet was part of the environmentally minded changes the council was making.

“Along with our continued rollout of rooftop solar systems on city buildings, these initiatives demonstrate our ongoing effort to address the impacts of climate change.”