Two new electric vehicles (EVs) have joined the Yarra Ranges Council fleet, as part of a trial to help Council reach its carbon emissions reduction target of 30 per cent by 2020.
The Hyundai IONIQ EVs will be powered by the solar panels on top of Council’s offices, via recharging stations onsite.
Mayor Tony Stevenson said Council was committed to proactively reducing carbon emissions wherever possible.
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“Council has had hybrid electric vehicles in our fleet for some time now but investing in this new generation of fully electric vehicles for employees to drive will save us more money, encourage us to use renewable energy and further decrease our dependence on fossil fuels,” Cr Stevenson said.
“Greenhouse gas emissions from electric vehicles are significantly lower than standard internal combustion engines, even when charged from regular grid electricity.
“A typical small car generates about 4.77 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, compared to an electric vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions.
“IONIQs are charged solely from grid electricity, so they will generate only 2.46 tonnes of CO2e per year, which is a 48 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”
Cr Stevenson said European cities were banning diesel and petrol cars, with the manufacturing of diesel engines to be phased out.
“While the uptake of electric vehicles by the mass market is fairly limited in Australia right now, this is expected to rapidly change,” Cr Stevenson said.
He said Council would continue investing in sustainable technologies to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2020.
The introduction of electric cars aligns with Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Adapting to a Changing Climate and Energy Future plan, and Environment Strategy.
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