City’s electric drive gains momentum

THE City of Greater Geelong’s conversion of fleet vehicles to electric continues with delivery of its first passenger electric vehicle (EV), an MG ZS.

With five years left on the city’s goal to make all of its light vehicles net zero, council has also acquired six Renault Kangoo E-Tech electric vans and two electric MeanGreen Evo ride-on mowers.

“The new electric vehicles will be used for council business as required, ranging from maternal and child health visits to road inspections, and waste and recycling services,” Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“It’s another step closer on our journey as we transition to a light fleet that achieves net zero emissions by 2027, and part of the broader steps we’re taking to respond to climate change.”

The city is one of 50 Victorian councils that are part of the Victorian Energy Collaboration, a collaboration that signs local governments up to renewable energy supplies for their operations.

“Our electric vehicles are powered using electricity from wind farms here in Victoria,” Cr Sullivan said.

Charging stations are gradually being installed across the city, including two dual port chargers at the city’s Belmont and Corio depots, funded through the state government, that will be used to power its fleet of EVs.

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Barwon Health and other regional government entities have also started adding EVs to their fleets, partial allocations from the state government’s $15 million purchase of more than 400 EVs.