Council fleet ready for the EV revolution

The City of Stirling Council has unanimously agreed to the replacement purchase of three electric vehicles (EV) for the Parking Services fleet in the 2022/2023 replacement program.
 
The Community and Resources Committee will also be presented with an Electric Vehicle Feasibility Study report in the fourth quarter of this financial year, which is aligned with the outcomes of the endorsed Sustainability Energy Action Plan (Corporate) 2020 to 2030 (the SEAP).
 
The SEAP commits the City to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by first achieving 100 per cent of our electricity from renewables and 70 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030. The SEAP notes that a key strategy to meet these targets is to transition the City’s fleet to EV and power them with renewable energy.
 
Mayor Mark Irwin said the parking operations the City performs on a daily basis would accommodate EVs immediately, with further planning and budget required to transition security operations across given their 24/7 usage and the need to allow for 40 – 60 minutes of charge time.
 
“The transition of our hybrid security vehicles to EV replacements is possible with current models available on the Australian market. However, to guarantee we can respond 24/7 to any security situation that might arise, the Electric Vehicle Feasibility Study due at the end of this financial year will be required to guide charging infrastructure and process changes needed to support this and maintain continuity of service to the community,” he said.
 
“The fact that we have approved the purchase of replacement vehicles for Parking Services earlier this month proves the City is ready, willing and able to benefit from the EV revolution.
 
“Nevertheless, we are confident in the community consultation we did on the SEAP and encouraged by the overwhelming majority of City of Stirling residents that want us to play our part in reducing our emissions.”
 
Implementing EVs for Parking Services (three cars) would save energy consumption costs by 50 per cent (noting the current vehicles are hybrid) and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) by 23 per cent. If the City uses renewable energy sources from solar panels or renewable power purchase agreement (PPA), then the City can reduce 100 per cent of GHG associated with those vehicles.
 
Additional planning – including the EV charging infrastructure locations, charger types, number and estimated infrastructure construction costs – will be addressed in the EV Feasibility Study.